The aftermath of the Superbowl has strangely caused me to crave our Ash Wednesday worship with anticipation. Extra pounds from overindulgence and extra despondence over 'our' loss cause me to reflect, half in jest and half seriously - how am I doing enjoying the good gifts of God in this life, without overattaching to them and giving them god-like power over me? Our Ash Wednesday worship services kick off our Lenten sermon series: Counterfeit gods.
Sometimes I say that Lake Forest aspires to be an ancient-future church. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and I'm preparing to lead two meditative and hauntingly musical (new this year!) services of communion and the imposition of ashes on our Huntersville campus (5:30 & 6:30, lasting about 35 minutes, childcare available at 5:30; LFC-Davidson will hold worship at 7pm). One way I define ancient-future church is:
1. We are future oriented in mission - changing forms and methods of worship in order to speak the gospel effectively in today's language of ever-changing culture (technology, idiom, arts, servanthood through a toy store, musical styles at our campuses that reflect today's musical language of the soul).
2.We practice humility by being ancient in doctrine faithful to the most ancient Christian creeds, as well as through time-proven spiritual practices like Lent and Advent, taking our grateful place in acknowledged succession from 2,000 years of faithful followers of Jesus.
Join the Lake Forest tribe in practicing Lent this year - allow fasting, almsgiving and prayer to be a way the LORD re-tills the soil of your heart with humility, repentance, and room for Christ alone to dwell and rule in his infinite love.
For Lent this year, we are encouraging people to:
*Worship on Ash Wednesday (thirty minutes services at 5:30 & 6:30 @ LFC-Huntersville, shared with our Anglican friends, Church of the Good Shepherd; 7pm LFC Davidson, shared with Davidson Presbyterian Church)
*choose a Lenten fast for 40 days, giving whatever money is saved to assist the poor Pope Francis' advice on Lenten fasting
*fast absolutely from Good Friday evening until Easter morning
*celebrate in Easter worship by 1)inviting an unchurched friend, 2)naming and celebrating Easter lunch as a resurrection feast
*BONUS: our sermon series for Lent is based upon Tim Keller's book, "Counterfeit gods." Feel free to purchase one and join me in using it for your daily devotions this season.
Here's a succinct, kinetic guide to the purpose and practice of Lent:
