First Christian Church announces Lenten Calendar

Flora First Christian Church begins its Lenten services Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. with a traditional Ash Wednesday service.

For Christians, Lent is called the season of soulsearching, repentance, reflection and taking stock of one's spiritual life. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a time of preparation for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the 40 days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus' withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days. Lent often becomes a time of "giving up something" as a small sacrifice to remind us daily of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made.

The Ash Wednesday service at will feature the church's Chancel Choir. The service's theme, "The Mark of Christ," will be explored through hymns, scripture, personal refection, prayer, Communion, and the dispersion of ashes. The observance of Ash Wednesday is an ancient tradition that can be traced to the early centuries of the church, and has had a resurgent of interest in recent decades. Ash Wednesday is observed that Christians may be prepared to receive Easter in all of its fullness.

During Sunday morning services in Lent, Interim Pastor Sam Davenport will present a sermon series entitled "Yours Truly." These sermons will examine the Believers relationship to Christ through his "I am" statements as presented in the Gospel of John. Sermon titles during Lent are: "Button, Button, Who's Got the Button: I Am," Feb. 10; "Do You Have a Clue Where You Are Headed: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," Feb. 17; "Come on In, It's Open: I am the Door," Feb. 24; "Ba Ba Lost Sheep, I am the Good Shepherd," March 2; "The Lunch is Free, but the Bread Cost, March 9"; "An Empty Fulfillment." cantata by the Chancel Choir, Palm Sunday, March 16; and "Finding Life in a Cemetery, I am the Resurrection and the Life," Easter Sunday, March 23. Sunday morning services begin at 9:30.

Pastor Davenport invites the public to all of the services.