In late January, I gathered with 9th grade students and parents to talk about the students’ upcoming confirmation or affirmation of baptism, as it is called in more formal church circles. We talked about the journey of Confirmation at Ascension through our JOLT (Journey of a Life Time) junior high program.

It did not occur to me during the meeting, but days later I was struck by the journey of faith we invite our students to take towards their Confirmation Sunday.

How much like the journey of faith to their Confirmation Sunday is the season of Lent for the rest of us.

When we gather for the service of confirmation, we ask each student to make public profession of their faith, an “affirming of their baptism” in the midst of the worshipping community. Lent is no different. When we gather on the Sundays and Wednesday nights of Lent, we are once again affirming our baptism.

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? I renounce them.
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? I renounce them.

Midweek worship on Wednesday nights is our opportunity to be reminded of God’s great promises to us. We begin with Ash Wednesday on February 14th at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the Imposition of Ashes beginning at 6:45 p.m. After Ash Wednesday, we will gather each Wednesday for soup at 6 p.m. with worship at 6:45 p.m. (Please note the time change.) Our worship will be shaped by the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and conversations with characters around the Cross. We have arranged for worship to be done by 7:30 on the dot. Promise.

Come and join us on the journey. Hear the promise of God in a new way and renew your journey of faith that leads you into a deeper relationship with our God.

Pastor Chris