Lent and Easter 2024
Theme and Worship Schedule

In the Book of Joel, the prophet paints a vivid picture of the coming judgment of God, the Day of the Lord. The imagery is bold and terrifying: hordes of locusts swarming over the land and decimating everything. Joel’s prophecy has teeth even today as wars rage, natural disasters threaten and destroy, and our culture seems to be unraveling. But right in the middle of this frightening portent, we find a tender invitation from the Lord: “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster” (Joel 2:13). God’s invitation and promise finds its fullness in Jesus Christ, who personifies and accomplishes all that God declares. During this season of Lent, we will consider the theme “Return to the Lord” and examine how the call to return played out in practical ways for the people who walked alongside Christ as He demonstrated and carried out God’s grace and mercy on our behalf, taking God’s wrath upon Himself, setting the stage for God to “turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him” (Joel 2:14).

 

A Call to Return

Ash Wednesday

Joel’s dark prophecy sets the stage for God’s invitation and promise: “Return to the Lord! I am gracious and merciful, and I will bless you.”

February 14

Joel 2:12-19

Mission Campus: Noon and 7pm
Shawnee Campus: 7pm

Return to Prayer

Lent 1

Our prayer life ebbs and flows, but through it all, the Spirit intercedes for us. When God calls us to pray, he provides the means to do so and even fulfills what we ourselves are unable to do.

February 21

Matthew 26:36-46

Mission Campus: Noon and 6pm
Shawnee Campus: 7pm

Return from Betrayal

Lent 2

Judas betrays Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. This week we will explore the ways we betray one another and Jesus through our denials and rejection of the faith.  
February 28
John 18:1-11

Mission Campus: Noon and 7pm
Shawnee Campus: 7pm

Return from False Witness

Lent 3

What does God actually mean in the Eighth Commandment, and what should we do when our failure here leads us away from God? God calls us to turn from sin and look to Him.

March 6

Matthew 26:57-68

Mission Campus: Noon and 6pm
Shawnee Campus: 7pm

Return from Denial

Lent 4

Peter denies Jesus, but Jesus has the last word. He calls us to return to Him.
March 13
Luke 22:54-62

Mission Campus: Noon and 7pm
Shawnee Campus: 7pm

Return to the Kingdom of God

Lent 5

Pilate asks “What is truth?” but the real question is “Who is truth?” God calls us to return to his rule and reign so that he can pour out blessings on us.

March 20

John 18:28-38

Mission Campus: Noon and 6pm
Shawnee Campus: 7pm

Worship Schedule

Midweek Lenten Worship Schedule

 

Indicates that the service will be livestreamed.

Date Mission Shawnee
Ash Wednesday, February 14 noon, 7pm* 7pm
Wednesday, February 21 noon, 6pm 7pm, 5:30pm meal
Wednesday, February 28 noon, 6pm 7pm, 5:30pm meal
Wednesday, March 6 noon, 6pm 7pm, 5:30pm meal
Wednesday, March 13 noon, 6pm 7pm, 5:30pm meal
Wednesday, March 20 noon, 6pm 7pm, 5:30pm meal

*Please note that the Ash Wednesday evening service at the Mission campus will begin at 7pm; subsequent evening midweek services at the Mission campus will begin at 6pm.

 

Lenten meals will be offered February 21 – March 20 at 5:30pm at the Shawnee campus.

Holy Week Worship Schedule

 

Indicates that the service will be livestreamed.

Holiday/Date

Mission

Shawnee

Notes

Palm Sunday, March 24 5:30pm; 8:30, 9:45, 11am 8:30, 11am Worship with Communion
Maundy Thursday, March 28 Noon and 7pm   Worship with Communion, livestream
    6pm Seder meal with worship and Communion
Good Friday, March 29 Noon   Contemplative Good Friday worship
  7pm 7pm Good Friday Tenebrae service
Holy Saturday, March 30 5:30pm   Easter worship with Communion
       
Easter Sunday, March 31 8:30 and 9:45am 8:30, 9:45 Easter worship
  11am  11am Easter worship with Communion