Lent
The Lent tradition began in the 3rd and 4th centuries of the early church. The practice derived from the biblical narrative of the people of Israel being tested in the wilderness for 40 years, as well as from Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness. The church has adopted this 40-day period as a season of preparation and repentance in anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter day.
In Lent, we follow Jesus to the cross, and discover more and more what it means to belong together to the crucified and risen One. It is also a season of reflecting on our deep need for the great salvation that Christ purchased for us. Whether you are only beginning to follow Jesus, or have been a Christian for quite some time, we hope these resources and services on our church calendar will help to shape your life around the cross and empty tomb of Christ in fresh ways.
Prayer & fasting during lent
Lent is a season for self-examination and fasting, an opportunity to remember that “we do not live by bread alone” as Christ professed during his 40-day trial in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4). Along with self-examination, however, it is crucial to keep our focus the gospel: all of us are more sinful and helpless than we would ever dare admit, yet in Christ we are more accepted and forgiven than we could ever hope. So along with the “putting off” of fasting, we exercise the “putting on” of devotion to Christ. Here are some resources to guide you through the season:
Scripture, Prayer, Poetry & Song: The Lent Project is a wonderful resource for worshiping and praying through the season, with new readings, reflections, and artwork posted daily through the season. For an alternative Lenten daily reading series, visit Lent for Everyone.
Fasting: For more on Gospel-Focused fasting, and on the Season of Lent generally, read Keeping a Holy Lent by Craig Higgins and discuss it with others in your Home Meeting.
Examen
The practice of a daily examen provides a structured method for processing what happened during your day. The goal is to become more aware of God’s presence in your life as you grow your relationship with Him. It can be used as a personal tool, to be done quietly before going to bed at the end of the day. Click below to view an example method for nightly examen.
Service Times
February 14 - Ash Wednesday - 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
March 24 - Palm Sunday: “The Cry of the Whole Congregation”
This service involves many church members (including Liberti kids!) reading Scriptures that describe the last days of Jesus' life. You can read the script here. This will occur at our usual service time of 9:00 AM.
March 29 - Good Friday
Liberti will have a combined Good Friday service with Urban Worship Center this year. More details coming soon.
March 31 - Easter Sunday Worship - 9:00 AM
On Sunday, February 18, we will launch Project Sanctuary! For five weeks, we will hear how God is calling us to renovate our future building, 2531 E Lehigh Ave, to be a sanctuary: for God himself, for Liberti, for neighbors, for youth, and for the future. Pray and prepare your hearts for what God has for you during this initiative. More info to come!