Join Muhlenberg Lutheran Church during Lent for a R(EVOL)UTION! Lent is a time of reflection and self-examination during the 40 days before Easter. We are invited to engage in faith practices like prayer, fasting, giving, and acts of love, as we walk through the mystery of Jesus’ journey from death to life. This year, we’ll be guided on that journey by the gospel of Mark. We’ll see how God is on the loose, breaking into our world. Through Jesus, God is overthrowing the established order and bringing a fundamental change to the way we live and interact with one another, with the love of Christ at the center. It’s a R(EVOL)UTION!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - February 13, 6:00pm Shrove Tuesday is the name given to the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It is traditionally the day when Christians would prepare for Lent by confessing their sins, and being “shriven” (absolved). In A.D. 600, Pope St. Gregory prohibited Christians from eating all forms of meat and animal products during Lent, so they began to make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday to use up their supply of eggs, milk and butter, which also earned it the name “Fat Tuesday.” The tradition continues today all around the world - including here at Muhlenberg on Tuesday, February 13! So mark your calendars now for the upcoming Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the MAC. Pancakes, sausage, egg casseroles and fruit provided. Bring your appetite and celebrate Fat Tuesday with us at Muhlenberg. Doors open at 6:00pm, but if you arrive early, you're welcome to wait in the Gathering Area and visit with others there. Want to volunteer? Contact Barbara Roadcap ([email protected]).
Ash Wednesday - February 14, 12:00 Noon & 7:00pm Worship The R(EVOL)UTION begins February 14, 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 live- streamed to Facebook and YouTube. 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 (540-434-3496 or [email protected]) by Monday, Feb. 12 to request a brief visit from a pastor on Ash Wednesday.
"Why Groups" Throughout the week, we’ll gather in small groups to further explore how God is bringing about change in us. Last year, we called our small groups Why Groups, and we’ll continue to use that name this year. But instead of the primary question being “Why?” it will be “How?” How is God at work in the world, and how is God calling each of us to be a part of it? The planned groups (as well as sign-up opportunities) are listed at the link below. If you can’t find one that works for your schedule, get in touch with Pastor Lauren ([email protected]) and she’ll help you organize a group at a time that works for you! *If you’d prefer to meet in a slightly larger group, or you’re unable to make a 5-week commitment, consider attending the Wednesday evening group (see info at the link below)! This group will be for any and all who are available to come, whether you come one week or all five. The Nursery will be available Wednesday nights until 8:00pm for Why Group conversation and for those that may want to fellowship further after the meal.
For more information on Why Groups or to sign up for one, click below!
Music During Lent A "joyful noise" will be heard throughout the Lenten season with these wonderful musical programs for children and adults alike. For more information about these events during Lent, contact Interim Music Minister Linlin Uta ([email protected]).
LENTEN MIDDAY RECITALS - Thursdays in Lent, 12:00 Noon Our Music Ministry is pleased to offer a series of five half-hour recitals each Thursday at 12:00 noon during the Lenten season. Now in its 15th year, these 30-minute musical moments have been a spiritual blessing to all, both to the listener and performer. We are excited to offer an array of varied talents this season:
February 22, Dr. W. Bryce Hayes - Dr. Hayes maintains an active career as a conductor, teacher, church musician, pianist, accompanist, and singer. He will perform a wide variety of Broadway and contemporary vocal and piano music.
February 29, Michael Richardson, Baritone - A DMA candidate at JMU will perform classical and sacred vocal music.
March 7, Dr. Steven Brancaleone, pianist - Recent graduate from JMU, Dr. Brancaleone will perform classical piano works.
March 14, Elizabeth Williams, organist - Our beloved former Music Minister will perform organ music.
March 21, Linlin Uta, pianist - Our Interim Music Minister, DMA candidate at JMU, will perform piano works from the Romantic period.
These amazing mid-day recitals have always been performed free of charge and open to all. We will continue to do so, however, there will be an opportunity to offer a monetary donation at each recital to help support the Music Ministry here at Muhlenberg. Recitals will also be live-streamed to Facebook and YouTube.
CHERUB CHOIR & YOUTH ENSEMBLE Cherub Choir and Youth Ensemble will begin rehearsing Sunday, February 18, immediately following the 11:00am service, and continuing each Sunday through March 24. Both groups will sing and play in worship on Sunday, March 17 (11:00am service only) and on Easter Sunday, March 31 (11:00 am service only). Let’s make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Rachel Peters will lead the Cherub Choir rehearsal (ages 4 – grade 2) held in the choir chancel in the Sanctuary. They will rehearse from 12:15pm – 12:45pm. Linlin Uta will lead the Youth Ensemble (grade 3 and above) and will meet down in the music room. They will rehearse from 12:15pm – 1:10pm. There is no rehearsal on February 25 for Youth Ensemble.
Lenten Devotions Journeying Through Lent with Mark is a Christ-centered guide to the Gospel of Mark for daily devotion during Lent. Each day provides a meditation based on a passage from Mark’s Gospel with reflection questions and a prayer, giving us time each day to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and on our lives as followers of Christ. Books are available in the Gathering Area, with a suggested donation of $8 each. To contribute to devotionals, place your check (made payable to MLC, designating “Lenten Devotional”) in the offering plate or the wooden box located next to the devotionals.
Lenten Service Project for Lutheran World Relief During Lent, Local & Global Outreach is coordinating a hands-on project for our congregation on behalf of Lutheran World Relief. They are holding a drive to supply Personal Care Kits, one of their most requested items, to those in need. You are invited to share your LOVE (EVOL) with our neighbors around the world. Starting Sunday, February 18, we will be asking for their suggested items during these Lenten 5 weeks in order to make as many complete kits as we can at wrap-up. There will be a donation box in the Gathering Area where you may donate each week or all at once if that’s easier for you. The following items, week 1-5, make one complete kit:
Week 1 – Sunday, Feb. 18: One new light-weight (not fluffy as thin dry quicker in the sun), dark-colored towel (between 20”x40” and 27”x52”).
Week 2 – Sunday, Feb. 25: Two or three bath-sized bars of soap (in original wrapping).
Week 3 – Sunday, Mar. 3: One adult toothbrush (in original packaging).
Week 4 – Sunday, Mar. 10: One sturdy comb (remove packaging).
Week 5 – Sunday, Mar. 17: One metal nail clippers (remove packaging).
They are asking for these new, undecorated items specifically as they want to ensure that all the kits are identical for all. We participated in a similar project for them in 2020 with great success; let’s see if we can gather even more this year! If you have any questions, you can email Vicki Heitsch at [email protected].
Easter Flowers The tradition of Easter Lilies in the church are a beautiful way to remember and honor loved ones. We have added some additional, seasonal color to the mix by offering Easter Lilies, Hydrangeas, and Hyacinths. The cost per plant is $25, with a limited number of plants available. To reserve your Easter flowers, please do the following:
Sign up HERE; using the button below; at the Connection Center; or call Louise Layman (540-442-1524)
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 Sun., Mar. 17 (no additional flowers will be ordered after that date).