The Call to “I Am”
Light. Bread. Shepherd. Life. In the gospel of John, Jesus uses these and other rich images to describe who he is, through a series of statements that begin with “I am.”
The I Am statements are simple. They name ordinary, common things. And yet these simple words contain mystery, as they invite us into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what Jesus is all about. They reveal that God knows our deepest needs and longings, and in Jesus these great needs are met. The I Am statements draw us further into a living, abiding relationship with the God who is with us.
The journey begins on Ash Wednesday, as Jesus declares that he is the I Am, sent from God to set us free. Sundays in Lent will explore Jesus the Bread of Life, Light of the World, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, the Way, and the True Vine. Through Holy Week, we’ll see Jesus as Loving Servant and King, and on Easter, we’ll experience the Risen Lord.
This Lent, journey with Jesus through the gospel of John to the very heart of God, as together we discover the Great I Am.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Feb. 17, 6:00pm
Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, has long been a time for Christians to prepare for Lent by confession and by using up rich foods cooked in fats before the season begins. Over time, this became the beloved tradition of a “Fat Tuesday” pancake feast. Join us for this joyful tradition at Muhlenberg in the MAC! Pancakes, sausage, egg casseroles, and fruit will be provided. Bring your appetite and enjoy an evening of fellowship and good food. Doors open at 6:00pm; if you arrive early, feel free to gather and visit in the Gathering Area. Are you interested in helping out? Please contact Emily Carneal at emily.wicht@gmail.com.
”Why Groups”
Why Groups are short-term small group gatherings that provide a space for us to ask questions and explore together. They combine Bible study and fellowship with an invitation to take our faith journey outside of Sunday morning and into our lives during the week. This year, groups will explore the “I Am” statements of Jesus. As we go deeper into the words that describe Jesus, we’ll find we learn a lot about ourselves along the way. Why join a Why Group?
It’s a short commitment... Just one hour a week for five weeks.
...With a big impact. Deepen your faith and your relationships within our community!
Most of them involve food. You’ve got to eat, right?
Money-back guarantee! OK, there’s no money involved. But every single Why Group last year reported significant positive experiences, including meaningful conversation, closer connection to God, and new friends. Give it a try!
Sign up for a Why Group by clicking the link below, or call the church office (540-434-3496)!
Ash Wednesday - Feb. 18, 12:00noon & 7:00pm Worship
Lent begins Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday. Two worship services will be offered. The noon service will be simple, with a focus on the imposition of ashes, the reading and preaching of the Word, and Holy Communion. The 7:00pm service will include all of these elements as well as a fuller liturgy with choir. The 7:00pm service will be livestreamed. If you are unable to come to the church on Ash Wednesday to receive ashes, we will bring the ashes to you! Please contact the church office by Monday, Feb. 16 to request a brief visit from a pastor on Ash Wednesday.
Lenten Devotions
Pick up a daily devotional book in the Gathering Area starting February 15. Two options are available:
The Way, The Truth, and the Life features inspiration from Henri J.M. Nouwen.
Lift Up Your Hearts is called a devotional for families, but the content is good for adults too!
Lenten Books for Faithful Study
If you would like to spend devotional time in faithful study this Lent, we recommend the following books, which can be purchased on your own. If you need assistance ordering one of these books, please contact Pastor Alex at zuber@muhlenberglutheran.org.
The Gospel of John by Amy-Jill Levine is an exploration of John's Gospel examining its unique language and stories in their original context, from the prologue to the Lamb of God, while analyzing modern interpretations. *also available as an audiobook
Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love by Brian Recker is a great book for the penitential season of Lent, allowing readers to reframe the “why” behind an honest confrontation with our own sin. In Hell Bent, a former evangelical pastor explains why we can stop worrying about hell and start focusing on love. *also available as an audiobook
Turning Over Tables: A Lenten Call for Disrupting Power by Kathy Escobar is a Lenten journey inspired by the ways of Jesus to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice. Each week explores a different theme, with questions for reflection and suggested faith practices.
Music During Lent - “Reflections” - the 17th Annual Lenten Recital Series
Beginning Thurs., Feb. 26 at 12:00noon and continuing Thursdays in Lent, this year's recital series, “Reflections,” will feature vocalists and instrumentalists from the local community and beyond.
Feb. 26 - Matthew O. Thomas: Muhlenberg’s Music Minister will perform works of Haydn, Debussy and Gershwin.
Mar. 5 - Kurt Coble: the former violinist and concertmaster of Phantom of the Opera in New York City will perform music of Handel, Coble and Thomas.
Mar. 12 - The Musicians of Muhlenberg: a special recital featuring a wealth of talented Muhlenberg vocalists and instrumentalists.
Mar. 19 - Linlin Uta: Muhlenberg’s Music Ministry Accompanist and JMU faculty member and Doctoral Candidate will perform Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition on piano.
March 26 - Catherine Creasy, French horn: symphonic French hornist Catherine Creasy will perform music of Fauré.
*Performers and repertoire subject to change
Music During Lent - Children’s Choir and Youth Ensemble
Starting Sun., Feb. 15, Children’s Choir and Youth Ensemble rehearsals are beginning again in preparation for Lent IV and Easter Sunday. The Children’s Choir (ages 4 - grade 3), directed by Matthew O. Thomas, will rehearse in the Sanctuary from 12:15-12:45pm, and the Youth Ensemble (grade 3 - 9), directed by Linlin Uta, will rehearse in the Music Room from 12:15-1:10pm. Both groups will share their talents in worship on Lent IV, Mar. 15, and Easter Sunday, Apr. 5.
If you or your child would like to participate in the Children’s Choir, please email Music Minister Matt Thomas at thomas@muhlenberglutheran.org or just show up! To participate in the Youth Ensemble, please email Music Ministry Accompanist Linlin Uta at uta@muhlenberglutheran.org, as it would be helpful for Linlin to know ahead of time who is participating, so she can choose selections specific to those particular instruments/vocalists. Come sing, play and praise!
Lenten Podcast Series - “Here I Am”
As worship in Lent draws us into the “I Am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, we are also invited to reflect on our own sense of identity. With this in mind, join Pastor Alex for a six-week Lenten study through the Wellspring Podcast. Here I Am explores faith, identity, and personal growth through scripture and the Enneagram - a tool for self-reflection that helps us notice our patterns, strengths, and opportunities for growth as we follow God’s calling. Each podcast episode is about 30 minutes long and will be released on Wednesdays during Lent, beginning Feb. 18 (Ash Wednesday). Listen at your own pace, and then you’re welcome to gather weekly after the 11:00am service in the Nielsen Room to discuss the episode and what it stirred in you! Bring a bagged lunch and join the conversation in person - or participate via Zoom.
Lenten Service Project
This year, Local and Global Mission Outreach Ministry is pleased to offer Lenten Calendars with activities for both children and adults. These calendars have activities that can help to focus on others during this time of the year. The adult calendar is from ELCA World Hunger. You can pick up copies of the children’s and adult calendars at the Connection Center in the Gathering Area or download them at the links below. We pray that you find these verses, prayers, and activities helpful in your Lenten journey!
“Welcome to the Table”
Join us Sundays Mar. 15 and 22 (in the MAC at 9:45am), and Saturday Mar. 28 (10:00-11:30am in the Gathering Area) for a “Welcome to the Table” first communion class. This class is open to children of all ages who are baptized and ready to receive communion and children who are already taking communion and want to learn more. In this class, we will learn about why we take communion, what the elements of communion are, and how communion connects us to our faith community. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children. If your child is ready to participate, please email Children’s Minister Ashley Saunders at saunders@muhlenberglutheran.org.
Easter Flowers
The tradition of Easter lilies, hydrangeas, and hyacinths in the church is a beautiful way to remember and honor loved ones. The cost per plant is $25, with a limited number of plants available. To reserve your Easter flowers: sign up at the link below, at the Connection Center, or call the church office (540-434-3496).
Pay for Easter flowers (write your flower preference on the memo line). Place your check in the offering plate, or mail it to the church office (281 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, 22801). Payments reserve flowers. Flowers may be picked up Easter Sunday after the 11:00am service. Sign up deadline is Sunday, Mar. 22 (no additional flowers will be ordered after that date).
Holy Week
Mark your calendars for Holy Week Worship services this year!
Palm Sunday - Mar. 29, 8:30 and 11:00am: We explore Jesus’ final image - The True Vine.
The Triduum (The Three Days) is the ancient observance of the mystery of our salvation, which plunges the faithful into the death of Jesus and brings them with him to resurrection life. The Three Days is one liturgy, extending from Thursday evening through the Easter Vigil. You are invited to conform your life to the worship rhythms of the church on these three days:
Maundy Thursday - Thurs., Apr. 2, 7:00pm: We experience Jesus through his command to love one another.
Good Friday - Fri., Apr. 3:
12:00noon - The 39th annual Harrisonburg downtown ecumenical Good Friday prayer walk begins at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
7:00pm Worship Service, Muhlenberg - We hear the passion of Christ the King, the narrative of Jesus crucified and reigning from the cross.
Easter Vigil - Sat., Apr. 4, 8:00pm: This is the high point of the church’s year, the night, the very night, the Passover of Christ from death to life. We’ll begin with the lighting of the new fire, process into the Sanctuary as the Scripture comes to life through drama, then gather around the communion table to celebrate the first resurrection meal. Following the service, we’ll extend the celebration of Easter with food and fellowship.
Easter Sunday - Apr. 5, 8:30 and 11:00am: Christ is our Risen Lord and through him all creation is made new! On Easter Sunday, in word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love. Join us at 9:45am inside the MAC this Easter Sunday for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. In addition to the hunt and brunch, there will be an opportunity to have a family picture taken and printed, games, and activities for kids of all ages.
Stations of the Cross - Beginning on Palm Sunday (Mar. 29) and available throughout Holy Week, you and your family will have the opportunity to experience a prayerful pilgrimage in our own Sanctuary. Muhlenberg’s Stations of the Cross paintings, dedicated in 2004, will be displayed around the Sanctuary and will be set up with reflections for each of the 12 stations. You are welcome to walk through the stations and spend time in prayerful reflection. The Sanctuary will be open for you to stop by each day of Holy Week from 11:00am-1:00pm, Mon. & Wed. from 6:00-8:00pm, and on Good Friday 12:00-7:00pm.
