The 40-day season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 10. The liturgical color is purple in remembrance of the royalty of Christ who reigns from the cross.  The gates, altar and pulpit paraments, pastor’s stole, and entry door wreaths will change to purple.  A purple cloth is draped over our shepherd’s cross during this season.

Lent lasts 40 days as did other significant biblical events such as the flood of Noah, Moses’ visit with God on Sinai, Elijah’s walk to the mountain of God, and Jesus’ temptation in the desert.  The overall tone is typically a time of restraint when the congregation does not sing “Alleluia” during the liturgy and minimizes decorations such as flowers in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, February 9
4:00 p.m. – Anna Circle, Jane Borelli host
4:00 p.m. – Mary Circle, Marilynn Larson host (rescheduled)
7:00 p.m. – Adult Forum subcommittee meeting

Wednesday, February 10
7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast
1:00 p.m. – Pr. Amy at Wellington Place
2:00 p.m. – Miriam/Ruth Circle, Bev Nelson hosts
6:00 p.m. – Choir rehearsal
7:00 p.m. – Ash Wednesday Worship
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, February 11
10:00 a.m. – Adult Bible Study
3:30 p.m. – Education Committee
8:00 p.m. – Worship and Music Committee Meeting

Sunday, February 14
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion, First Sunday in Lent
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour, Coffee Sale
10:45 a.m. – Adult Forum – March Ministry Team meets in Narthex
10:45 a.m. – NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Lenten services this year will focus on the theme, “Coming to Our Senses: Opening Ourselves to God.”  This Lenten season we will explore the call to come to our senses and open our whole lives to God.  Daily devotions will be posted on this website and Facebook to remind us that God does not remain an abstract idea at a distance. Thankfully, God became flesh and comes to us still in ways we can touch, taste, see, hear and smell. We will let our physical senses awaken us to God’s presence, call us to prayer and help us return to God.

Ash Wednesday Worship will be February 10 at 7:00 pm.  We will share in Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes. Lenten midweek services which follow Ash Wednesday will be held at 5:30 pm on subsequent Wednesdays February 17-March 16.  The order of service will be shared using Holden Evening Prayer.  The liturgical color for paraments, the weavings, pastor’s stole, and entry door wreaths will be purple. Worship will be followed by Lenten Soup Suppers in the Fellowship Hall.

The Lenten Puppet Ministry will be held after Wednesday Night Lent Worship.  Congregation member Sue Blair will offer children 1-10 years old a quick mini Lenten message and song just after our half hour worship is over.

The Transfiguration of Our Lord will be celebrated on Sunday, February 7, the Sunday before the beginning of Lent.  The altar paraments and weavings will be white, the color of light, gladness, and joy in Christ.  The white “gates” (interior, changeable part of the weavings) will feature the butterfly design on the left and gold crosses on the right.  White ribbon is wound on the wreaths hung on the entry doors.

Tuesday February 2
4:00 p.m. – Mary Circle, Marilynn Larson host
7:00 p.m. – Adult Forum meeting (tentative)
8:00 p.m. – Worship and Music Committee

Wednesday, February 3
7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast
7:00 p.m. – Choir rehearsal
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, February 4
No Adult Bible Study
5:00 p.m. – Decorah Community Meal at First Lutheran

Sunday, February 7
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion, Transfiguration Sunday, Last Sunday after Epiphany
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour
10:45 a.m. – Adult Forum, TBA
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School in Sanctuary; Youth SS/Confirmation in Pastor Amy’s Office