Lent and Easter at Saint Mark

Ash Wednesday, February 22, marks the beginning of the season of Lent, the forty-day season leading up to Easter day and the Easter season. Because the church considers every Sunday to be a little Easter, Sundays are not counted as part of the forty days and instead are referred to as “Sundays in Lent.”

During Lent, ancient Christians mourned and repented of their sins, so it was appropriate for them to show their sincerity by having ashes on their foreheads. This custom has persisted in the church as secular society has changed around us and is most appropriate on Ash Wednesday, when we begin a period of sober reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection.

Lent is a season of encounter with Christ, of instruction, initiation, and growth as a church in common life and ministry. It is a “time for putting aside the sins and failures of the past in light of who we are yet to become by the grace of God.” Many people give up something for Lent as a spiritual practice/discipline. You might also consider taking on a new practice as a means of getting closer to God. Lent is a deep, rich time in which we prepare for the Easter season.

Calendar of Events

Ash Wednesday, February 22

• Dinner, 6 pm, in Wade Hall
• Worship Service, 7 pm, in the Sanctuary
• Imposition of Ashes

Passion / Palm Sunday, April 1

• Maurice Duruflé's Requiem, featuring the Chancel Choir, conductor Jane Burke, organist/continuo John Richardson, with soloists and Chamber Instrumental Ensemble
• during both morning worship services

Monday, April 2, through Good Friday, April 6

• A self-guided Holy Week meditation
• Stations will be placed throughout the Sanctuary, Chapel and the 2nd floor of the education building; station #1 is outside the Interactions Class Room 206
• A booklet will be available to lead you through each station
• Allow about 45 minutes to complete.
• For more information, contact Rev. Mandy Flemming.

NO Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, Wednesday, April 4

• NO dinner or program is scheduled due to the Maundy Thursday meal and worship service on April 5
• Standing reservations for Wednesday Dinner will NOT carry over to Thursday.

Maundy Thursday, April 5

• We will share our time with our United Methodist brothers and sisters at Grace United Methodist Church (458 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta 30308).
• At 5:30pm we will have a prayer service in their garden space, followed by a Seder Meal in their fellowship hall.
• At 7pm we will reconvene here at Saint Mark for the communion service.
• If you would like to join us for the seder meal, which Beth will be explaining and demonstrating, we would like to ask that you bring one of the ceremonial foods: boiled eggs, parsley, matzoh bread (available in most grocery stores), horseradish (a jar of the minced up kind will do), a roasted lamb shank, or a bowl of charoset (minced up apples mixed with honey, sugar and cinnamon). If you plan to come and can bring one of these items, please let Beth know by email.
• Standing reservations for Wednesday Dinner will NOT carry over to Thursday

Good Friday, April 6

• A labyrinth will be on the front lawn from 11am - 6pm (weather permitting).
• Worship Service of prayer and meditation, noon, in the Sanctuary with Rev. Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts preaching
• Worship Service, 7 pm, in the Sanctuary

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 7

• 9 am, at McKoy Park in Decatur
• Please consider donating candy (no chocolate please) or money for the eggs and candy. You can drop off your donation on March 18, 25, and April 1 in the children's wing or in the Narthex.

Easter Sunday, April 8

• Sunrise service, 7 am, on the front steps of the Sanctuary, Rev. Mandy Flemming preaching
• Rev. Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts will be preaching at the 9:00 am and the 11:15 am worship services
• Holy Communion will be served at the 7:00 am, 9:00 am and the 11:15 am worship services
• Please bring flowers to church Easter Sunday to decorate the cross
• Easter Brunch - details below

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