I would like to thank several who wrote in with ideas of Lent and Easter observations, particularly Mark McKim’s comments from First Regina. They are as follows:
I’ve imported something from my last church, to FBC Regina. Two Sundays before Lent begins a bulletin insert appears headed “Lenten Disciplines.” It explains something about Lent, and offers people the opportunity to select from a list of projects/disciplines. They include such things as fasting, prayer, a financial discipline (this year it is our Burmese refugees – we’re expecting about 60-80 to arrive here beginning this summer), an “action” discipline (this year that involves some sort of short term commitment to a community service agency.) On the Sunday before Lent begins, those folk who are choosing to participate are invited to check off which disciplines they will be undertaking and place the sheet on the offering plate AS PART OF their offering to God.
Secondly, please find a Lenten service order that I have used over the years.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Prelude
Welcome and Introduction
Invocation: Scripture and prayer
Hymn: As Sun with Longer Journey p.111
Scripture: Psalm 51:10-19
Devotional
Prayer
Hymn: Eat This Bread p.466
Words of Institution For Communion
Administering of Ashes
Hymn: Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart p.378
Benediction
Quiet Reflective time to music
I have been asked to write a newsletter on next November’s Banff Pastor’s Conference. I want to do this for several reasons: first it will be one of the best conferences we have had in years (given last years that’s saying something); secondly people need time to plan to be away for the conference and finally many of us will need to choose between one conference or another. I hope that what I am about to share will make a difference to your choice this year. For those who don’t come to Banff this year will mark the videotaping of as much as what we do as possible. This material will be on our website but can never replace being there.
The dates are Monday November 6th to Thursday November 9th at the Banff Springs Hotel. Financial assistance is available through your Area Minister.
Dr. Rod Wilson will be our main speaker. Rod is a friend and encourager and is President of Regent College in Vancouver. His topics will include areas like ____. Rod is a pastor, accredited psychologist and teacher. His contribution will be excellent.
Dr. Jonathan Wilson, the new professor of Theology at Carey will present a talk on “Church and State” followed by a panel and open session discussion.
Dr. Reg Bibby, author, professor of Sociology of Religion form Lethbridge will share from his research in a one hour presentation. (Reg was a counsellor and encourager to me in becoming a Christian at Gull Lake when I was nine). Reg has some powerful challenges for us. I will give a brief response to his talk and then a panel and the gathered assembly will ask questions and make comments on the practical places we need to go.
Sam Chaise will lead worship (Amen!).
There will be a prayer area staffed by people to pray with or for us.
There will be an early (8ish) morning Bible Study!
There will even be a venue for people to record their stories in Christ for the web on video.
There will also be a lunch for men whose wives are in ministry just as there has been a meeting for the inverse.
There will be several affinity group sessions and all of this is a good dry run for some of the things we will do at Assembly in 2007 in Banff.
Please find attached a couple of Lenten devotional quotes and may you know the challenge, peace, encouragement and presence of God in this Lenten season.
Warmly,
In Christ,
Jeremy Bell
Lent 2006
These two passages come from the Common Prayer Canada, published by Anglican Book Centre.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that are afar off and to them that are nigh: Grant that all peoples of the world may feel after thee and find thee; and hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of thy promise to pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; through the same thy son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.