Lent 2026
Lenten Worship Schedule
February 18 | Ash Wednesday | 12-12:45 p.m.
All are invited for a quiet and informal time of reflection and the imposition of ashes. Soft music will create a peaceful atmosphere, with space to sit, pray, meditate, and reflect. Prayer guides will be available to guide your time as we enter the season of Lent together.
February 22, 2026 | First Sunday of Lent | 10 a.m.
Guest Preacher | Rev. Dr. Marha Kearse
Sermon | Days of Miracle and Wonder
Scripture | 1 Kings 17:8-24 | Acts 3:1-10 | Acts 8:26-40 | Acts 12:6-17
This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Martha Kearse invites us to open our eyes to the unexpected ways God still moves among us. From jars that don’t run dry to chains that fall off in the night, Scripture reminds us that the miraculous is not just a thing of the past.
March 1, 2026 | Second Sunday of Lent | 10a.m.
Preaching | Rev. Dr. Layne Smith
Sermon | "Jesus Works the Night Shift"
Scripture | John 3:1-17
Nicodemus is literally and figuratively in the “dark.” Jesus enters his life to turn the “light” on. Jesus not only works in the bright happiness of the day, he also works in the deep darkness that enters our lives at various times.
March 8, 2026 | Third Sunday of Lent | 10a.m.
Guest Preacher | Rev. Dr. Tim Moore
Sermon | When Jesus Changed His Message
Scripture | John 4:5-42
In back-to-back encounters, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus by night and a Samaritan woman by day. One, a religious leader. The other, a social outcast. To each, he offers not a formula—but a meeting that transforms. What does it mean that Jesus tailors his message? That he offers new language, fresh metaphors, and unexpected grace—especially to the ones on the margins?
March 15, 2026 | Fourth Sunday of Lent | 10a.m.
Guest Preacher | Rev. Dr. Tim Moore
Sermon | Knowing More, Know Less
Scripture | John 9:1-41
A man receives sight, yet the truly blind remain unchanged. In John 9, Jesus reveals that spiritual blindness isn’t about eyes that don’t work—it’s about hearts closed to wonder, minds convinced they already know everything worth knowing. This week, Rev. Dr. Tim Moore invites us to wrestle with the paradox: the wiser we become, the more we see how much we don’t know. What kind of sight are we choosing?
March 22, 2026 | Fifth Sunday of Lent | 10a.m.
Preaching | Beth Maczka
Sermon | The Women of Holy Week
Scripture | Mark 14:9 and John 20:18
Join us Sunday, March 22, as guest speaker Beth Maczka leads us in worship and reflection centered on the women who anointed, witnessed, and proclaimed during Holy Week. The service will feature artwork and conclude with a communal anointing ritual.
Following worship, continue the conversation at a Lecture: An Introduction to The Gospel of Mary | 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Heaton Hall. Explore the non-canonical Gospel of Mary, its early Christian roots, and recent scholarly discoveries. All are welcome.
Holy Week
March 29 | Palm/Passion Sunday | 10am
Preaching | Rev. Dr. Layne Smith
Sermon | Who Is That Man?
Scripture Matthew 21:1-11
Guest Musicians | Mahari Freeman, soprano | Lenora Leggatt, violinist
This is one of our most beloved services. It starts off triumphantly with singing of joyous hymns, anthems, and the waving of palm branches, as we remember Jesus' welcomed entry into Jerusalem. The service ends with the procession of the cross accompanied by powerful music utilizing the organ and violin.
This sacred procession includes the entire worshiping congregation as we follow the large wooden cross to its place on the front lawn of the sanctuary. Our final act of devotion is to lay our palms at the foot of the cross while the hauntingly beautiful “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” is played on violin—an achingly moving moment of remembrance and reverence.
April 3 | Good Friday | Noon
Join us at noon in the Sanctuary for a solemn Tenebrae Service, a time of reflection on the darkness and shadows of Christ’s final hours. Through three readings—The Trial, The Walk to the Cross, and The Crucifixion—we will journey through the story of Jesus’ sacrifice, with powerful musical pieces woven throughout. A brief meditation will lead into the stripping of the altar, followed by a closing prayer.
Come, sit in the sacred stillness, and reflect on the depth of this holy day.
May 5 | Easter/Resurrection Sunday
9:00 a.m. | Easter Breakfast | RAIN AIDS Walk Fundraiser
9:45 a.m. | Music of Easter Prelude
10:00 a.m. | Worship
Preaching | Rev. Dr. Layne Smith Preaching
Sermon | Easter Comes to a Good Friday World
Scripture | John 20:1-18
Guest Music | Carolina Brass
Celebrate the resurrection and new life with us. The triumphant sounds of children ringing Alleluia bells, celebratory music of Carolina Brass, organ, choir, and uplifting sermon from our special guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Layne Smioth will fill us with joy and hope. Join us for a morning of worship and fellowship as we rejoice in this glorious season.
Come early for a congregational breakfast provided by our AIDS Walk team as we raise funds in support of RAIN. Join us at 9:00 a.m. on the Brick Patio (Rain Plan - Heaton Hall Foyer).