Welcome to Our Lenten Journey
This season of Lent is a time to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to God. This year we invite you to embark on a meaningful journey inspired by the hymn “For Everyone Born.” Together, we will explore the rich diversity and unique struggles of Christians around the world. Each week will build upon the last, guiding us deeper into understanding and compassion. By the time we reach Easter, we will be ready to fully embrace the abundant love of Christ—a love that welcomes all and transforms us.
Our services will differ from the traditional format, offering a holistic and participatory experience designed to help you release burdens, listen deeply, and respond with love and action.
✝ Welcome
We begin with joyful singing! Lift your voice and celebrate as we gather. Then, take a moment to turn to someone nearby and say, “Welcome, I’m glad you’re here!” We’ll also recognize others in our community—because every person matters.
✝ Check-In
Life can be hard, and we don’t ignore that. Together, we name the struggles of the week and hear words of hope from the Psalms. This is a time to be real and honest before God.
✝ Let Go
Through confession and assurance, we release what weighs us down. This is a sacred moment to breathe deeply and trust in God’s grace.
✝ Listen
Now we open our hearts. We’ll hear a message for the children, listen to beautiful music, read scripture, and reflect through the sermon. Afterward, we’ll join in a contemplative chant or hymn to let the words settle in our souls.
✝ Think
We pause for silence or gentle music—a chance to reflect and simply be present with God.
✝ Care
We come together in prayer and song, preparing our hearts for communion. This is where we remember God’s love and care for us and for the world.
✝ Celebrate
Communion is a joyful feast! All are welcome at the table as we share in this sacred meal.
✝ Go
Before we leave, we respond to God’s call to serve. This might include writing letters or taking part in advocacy. We’ll share announcements and sing one last song as we go out to live our faith.
This season of Lent is a time to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to God. This year we invite you to embark on a meaningful journey inspired by the hymn “For Everyone Born.” Together, we will explore the rich diversity and unique struggles of Christians around the world. Each week will build upon the last, guiding us deeper into understanding and compassion. By the time we reach Easter, we will be ready to fully embrace the abundant love of Christ—a love that welcomes all and transforms us.
Our services will differ from the traditional format, offering a holistic and participatory experience designed to help you release burdens, listen deeply, and respond with love and action.
✝ Welcome
We begin with joyful singing! Lift your voice and celebrate as we gather. Then, take a moment to turn to someone nearby and say, “Welcome, I’m glad you’re here!” We’ll also recognize others in our community—because every person matters.
✝ Check-In
Life can be hard, and we don’t ignore that. Together, we name the struggles of the week and hear words of hope from the Psalms. This is a time to be real and honest before God.
✝ Let Go
Through confession and assurance, we release what weighs us down. This is a sacred moment to breathe deeply and trust in God’s grace.
✝ Listen
Now we open our hearts. We’ll hear a message for the children, listen to beautiful music, read scripture, and reflect through the sermon. Afterward, we’ll join in a contemplative chant or hymn to let the words settle in our souls.
✝ Think
We pause for silence or gentle music—a chance to reflect and simply be present with God.
✝ Care
We come together in prayer and song, preparing our hearts for communion. This is where we remember God’s love and care for us and for the world.
✝ Celebrate
Communion is a joyful feast! All are welcome at the table as we share in this sacred meal.
✝ Go
Before we leave, we respond to God’s call to serve. This might include writing letters or taking part in advocacy. We’ll share announcements and sing one last song as we go out to live our faith.
Week 1, February 22
Theme: Basic Needs
This week begins with the simplicity of an undecorated sanctuary, accompanied by simple music and a communion using the most basic elements. The service will conclude with an action focused on homelessness and an opportunity for participants to make communion bread after worship.
Week 2, March 1
Theme: Young and Old
This week we will focus on the gifts of both the young and the old, as well as our shared responsibility to care for them. Our action will be to write to our political representatives, urging them to restore funding for homeless children and youth.
Week 3, March 8
Theme: Women
This week we will celebrate the gifts of women and examine the gender-based injustices that persist in our world. Our planned action is to host a speaker after worship to address the issue of trafficking in Santa Clara County (confirmation pending).
Week 4, March 15
Theme: Forgiveness and Mercy
This week we will reflect on the power of forgiveness and mercy, exploring the ways and places where they are most needed. Our action will be to learn about reconciling missions such as the Hand in Hand School in Israel and discover how we can support their work.
Week 5, March 22
Theme: Freedom to be
This week we wrestle with the question: What does it truly mean to be free? Together, we’ll explore freedom through the lens of faith and justice. Our action will center on immigration, inviting us to consider how we can advocate for those seeking safety and belonging.
Week 6, March 29
Theme: The Passion of Compassion
On Palm Sunday, we will explore the depth of compassion as we celebrate Jesus’ bold protest march into Jerusalem—a powerful stand against an oppressive government. Following His example, we will take our message of love and justice beyond the sanctuary and celebrate communion with our neighbors.
