The Evangelical Lutheran
Church of the Good Shepherd
3700 Rutherford Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17111-1997

The Reverend Kester T. Sobers, III, Pastor		 thelordismyshepherd
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Images of lentimage

Many people have places of refreshment to which they frequently return. A member of one family that owned a cabin in northern Minnesota compiled a book of memories about the family's times there over the years to present to other family members as a Christmas gift. One section of the book described the author introducing his two young sons to the wonders of life on their lake. He delighted especially in telling the boys legends about buried treasure and an uncatchable fish named Mr. Big--stories passed on to him by an uncle. Learning the stories of the lake was part of the two boys' initiation into a long-standing family tradition that renewed the family's love for each other and for the gifts of God's creation.

For the church, Lent is a time to return to a place of refreshment--namely, baptism--and to begin initiating new members into the family of God and into its stories.

So in Lent we gain new strength and vitality by returning to the living waters of baptism. Our eyes are again opened to the truth about Jesus and we are given new life and strength to witness to him in daily life.

In journeying together with those coming to the living waters of baptism for the first time, all Christians have the opportunity to be renewed. We not only recall what baptism is, but we remember that baptizing itself stands at the heart of the church's mission in the world (Matt. 28:18-20). Together with those preparing for baptism we make this journey toward baptism knowing that it prepares us for the indescribable joys that await us when the reign of God is fulfilled.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2004 Augsburg Fortress.

Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
What we do from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday holyweeklogos

Holy Thursday brings the end to Lent. That night we begin the Three Days that are the center of our year. Why are these Three Days so important? What do they mean for you? You are invited to make these Three Days different from all the days of the year.

Adults in the community are invited to plan ahead so that the whole time from Thursday night until the Easter Vigil is free of social engagements, free even of work, free of entertainment, free of meals except for the simplest nourishment. We are asked to fast during Good Friday and to continue fasting, if possible, all through Holy Saturday as strictly as we can, so that we come hungry and full of excitement to the Easter Vigil. We make Good Friday and Holy Saturday free for prayer and reflection and preparation and silence. The church is getting ready.

Whether you are young or old, currently active in the parish or not, please set these days aside. All of us should know that our presence for the liturgies is not just by invitation. We are all needed here. All of us need this whole community together on its greatest days.

On these Three Days, we gather a number of times. Together we hear some of the church's most beautiful prayers and scripture and we make some of our finest music. Please look closely at the parish schedule and make plans to take part in the various liturgies and other gatherings of Holy Thursday night, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Above all, come on Saturday night for the Vigil.

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last update: 03/06/2005
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