Lent, the penitential forty-day season of preparation for Easter, begins with Ash Wednesday, February 18 this year, and extends through Holy Saturday, April 4. The liturgical color for this season of the church year is purple – the color of penitence as well as in remembrance of the royalty of Christ who reigns from the cross. Visible in Good Shepherd’s sanctuary, purple is the primary color of the altar and pulpit paraments, the woven pieces that hang in the ‘gates’ of the weavings, and the drape on the Shepherd’s Cross.

This set of altar and pulpit paraments was designed and woven by congregation member and professional weaver, Barbara Berg. They were completed and dedicated in 2013 in memory of Charter Member Angeline Jacobson (1910-2011). The altar parament design depicts hills and valleys, a road leading us on a journey of faith, and a stream of life-giving water in shades of blue appears toward the bottom edge. Scarlet, the color for Holy Week, is introduced in some of the hills. The colors and design of the pulpit parament repeat those on the altar piece on a smaller scale. The three woven pieces that hang in the ‘gates’ are purple with scarlet crosses. The purple drape on the Shepherd’s Cross is in the tradition of the Lenten Veil sometimes used to cover statues, pictures, and crosses in the sanctuary. A further reminder of Lent can be seen on the grapevine wreaths decorated with purple ribbons, hanging on the entry doors.

At a reception at Aase Haugen on Monday, February 16, charter member Richard Dinger was honored by receiving a Quilt of Valor from the Decorah branch of that organization.  Richard was a member of the Air Force and combat veteran of World War II, who flew 30 missions over Europe in a B-24 bomber.  Richard and his wife Millie, both residents of Aase Haugen, are the parents of two sons.  The B-24 bomber was used in World War II by several Allied air forces and navies, operating in Europe, the Pacific, and the Mediterranean area as well as China, Burma and India.   Marie Freerking, a Quilts of Valor member, was the creator of the quilt.  The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18, with the Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 pm with Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.  The name is taken from the ancient tradition of placing ashes on  the foreheads of penitents. The use of ashes is connected with the Old Testament tradition of penitence, but ashes are also one of the universal symbols of repentance and renewal.   The Imposition of Ashes will be done while the congregation and cantor chant Psalm 51.

Communion on Ash Wednesday is by intinction.  Communicants are asked to extend both hands to form a manger to receive Christ’s body and blood.  Both Pastor April Larson and Pastor Marion Pruitt-Jefferson will be officiating. Paraments and Gates for Ash Wednesday are purple, the color of penitence and a reminder of the royalty of Christ who reigns from the cross.

A Valentine Visit was made to a charter member after the Good Shepherd “Warm the Winter with God’s Love” event was organized by the Evangelism Committee.

During fellowship hour on Sunday, February 8, the Evangelism Committee invited members to participate in a “Valentine Visit” initiative.  Valentine hearts, with the name and address of someone who would appreciate a visit, were distributed.  The targeted audience were those members unable to attend services but it was emphasized that anyone might appreciate a special visit.  This initiative is part of the Evangelism Committee’s participation in the “Warming Winter with God’s Love” endeavor held during the winter months.