The Season Of Lent

Lent is one of the most recognized season within the Christian Year, the cycle of the liturgical year that helps focus our worship and lives on the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Christian Year begins with Advent, then Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time (which used to be called Kingdomtide).

The key concept of Lent is that Jesus joins us in our death in order that we might be saved from death.  We concentrate on God’s redemption of us and our new life in Christ.

For most of the season we use the color violet to symbolize our penitence, but other colors are used for specific days.

Below is the calendar for Lent 2015.  The staff has worked to provide a variety of experiences that will enable us to grow in our understanding of the Christ and our relationship with God and one another.

Special Services

Fat Tuesday Celebration: February 17th, 7:00 p.m. at Fairhaven UMC

Fat Tuesday is a celebration of all things decadent.  Historically it is a time to use up all the fat or shortening in the home before the season of Lent.

Come and join us at Fairhaven Church to celebrate.  Bring your most fattening dessert and be ready to participate in a live auction.  Any new items you wish to donate are welcome.  Here’s a place to “re-gift” those things you don’t know where to use them.

This is a completely fun event that you don’t want to miss.

Ash Wednesday Service – February 18th, 7:00 p.m. at Fairhaven UMC

Come and join us as we begin our Lenten Journey.  This is a traditional worship service with Communion, and the disposition of ashes.  Come and join us as we begin the Lenten Season.

Holy Thursday Service – April 2nd

Watch for further information about the worship options.

Good Friday Tenebrae Service- April 3rd, 7:30 p.m. at Spencer UMC

A service of Scripture lessons, music, candles and darkness.

Educational and Worship Opportunities

Attention! Lenten Bible Study Coming Soon!

Ever longed for something more in the Christian life?  Ever wondered how to follow Jesus in real and tangible ways? Ever questioned the connection between church membership and discipleship? If so, A Disciple’s Path is for you!  So, come out for our Lenten Bible Study as we learn together how to practice the essential disciplines of Christian living, such as. . .

• Prayer
• Worship
• Small Group Community
• Spiritual Gifts, and much more!

What better season is there to focus on growing more like Jesus than Lent?  So make time to join us for this six-week study held at different locations throughout our Partnership.

•  Tuesday, February 24 at 7 p.m. class at Fairhaven UMC (2415 Saw Mill Run Blvd, 15234)
• Wednesday, February 25 at 1 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Castle Shannon (935 Pine Ave, 15234)
• Wednesday, February 25 at 7 p.m. class at Crafton UMC (43 Belvidere St 15205)

A companion reader for this class will be available for $6.50 and a workbook with a daily Lenten devotional for $8.50.

We hope you will prayerfully consider being part of this study as we journey along the path of discipleship together this Lent!

Wednesdays in Lent: Ecumenical Luncheon and Worship

Join with the churches of the Castle Shannon community for Lenten worship and fellowship meal.

Worship begins at noon in the sanctuary of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (935 Pine Ave, 15234).  The pastors of the churches lead us in worship. Immediately following, we move to the fellowship hall for a light lunch, hosted by the various congregations.

Cost: $4.00 donation to the local community food bank.  We hope you will remain for the study, A Disciple’s Path, led by Pastor Sue Hutchins, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

• February 25
  • Topic: Boldness & Unity
  • Rev. Scott Shutter – First Presbyterian
  • Luncheon Host – St. Winifred Roman Catholic
• March 4
  • Topic: 7 Chosen to Serve
  • Father Mike Caridi – St Anne
  • Luncheon Host – Emmanuel Lutheran
• March 11
  • Topic: Christian: A Name, A Vision, A Mission
  • Father Peter Horton – St Winifred
  • Luncheon Host – UMC of Castle Shannon
• March 18
  • Topic: Circuit Rider
  • Rev. Sue Hutchins – United Methodist
  • Luncheon Host – St. Anne Roman Catholic
• March 25
  • Topic: It’s Not Easy Being Paul
  • Rev. Dick Merkner – Emmanuel Lutheran
  • Luncheon Host – First Presbyterian