The season of Lent is coming soon, and this year we’re focusing on the theme “I Love to Tell the Story”. For the whole season of Lent we’ll be hearing lots of stories from Jesus. On Sunday mornings, we’ll be hearing the stories of an unlikely stranger who helps a man in desperate need, and the story of two squabbling sisters who are fighting for Jesus’ affection. We’ll hear about a rich man and a poor beggar, a withering fig tree, and a tax collector who climbs up a tree. We’ll also hear stories of lost sheep, lost coins, and a lost son. We hope that as you hear these stories told, that you will imagine what these old and somewhat familiar stories have to say to us in our lives and world today. We are also planning on hearing stories from everyday people like you who will share what God has been up to in their lives this last year. We know that 2020 was a difficult year, and that 2021 hasn’t exactly started off as well as we’d hoped, but in the midst of it all, many of you have experienced the love of God in unique ways. For our Wednesday services, we’re inviting everyday Vinje members to share their stories of hope and love, and God’s faithfulness that has continued to be with them every day. Lent will look a bit different this year. Many of you will not feel comfortable joining us for in-person worship just yet, and that’s okay. But we are hoping to provide opportunities that make this season just as meaningful. Though things can change, at this point we are planning on in-person Wednesday services starting with Ash Wednesday on February 17. The next week we’ll be offering our traditional Holden Evening Prayer services for the next five weeks. And don’t worry, our plan is to live stream all of these services so that even if you can’t join us in-person, you can participate safely from the comfort of your own home. Whatever comes our way these next weeks and months, we know that God will be with us. We hope you’ll join us in whatever way you can to hear the old old story of God’s love for us that meets us right here. We hope this season helps you to prepare for the great story of God’s good news at Easter. And we hope that this season is for you a reminder of the God we have who meets us wherever we are.
In-person Lenten Worship Schedule (tentative)
February 17 | 6-6:30 pm
Ash Wednesday Service
February 24-March 24 | 6-6:30 pm
Wednesday Holden Evening Prayer
(All Wednesday services will be live-streamed and available for later viewing online)
Every Sunday | 9:30-10 am
(Sunday services will continue to be broadcast online and on the radio as well)
Ashes To Go
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, worship traditions will look different, including Ash Wednesday. Our current plan is to have a pastor outside of the front entrance to Vinje distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday (February 17) prior to our in-person worship service. But for those uncomfortable receiving ashes this way, and for those worshiping at home this year, we will have small packets of ashes available to those who would like to participate in the ritual at home. These will be available in the drop box at the front entrance to Vinje. Just come on by any time and pick one up for your household, or let us know if you need one delivered to you. Each packet serves four individuals.