The Church of the Good Shepherd
What is Lent?
Lent is the 40 days before Easter, not including Sundays. It corresponds to the 40 days
that Jesus spent in the wilderness. Originally it was the time provided for training of
candidates for baptism. In modern times, it has become a period of self-discipline,
spiritual reflection and preparation for Easter. 
Festivities
February 8, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Make plans for you, your family and friends to join us here at the church for a fun time of fellowship. It is the Church's tradition to live it up big, to party, to feast the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. So come out and eat as many pancakes as you can enjoy. There is no charge, although donations will be accepted. Call the church office at (703) 281-3987 to reserve your place at the table.
February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13 and 20, 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Yearning for God - (for Young Adults) Meet new friends and explore your faith questions together. In times of trouble, we may ask "What is the meaning of this?" Or we may find ourselves struggling with the demands of a job and wondering how to be faithful disciples. This discussion opens the door to greater insights into Christian faith, with echoes of your own life histories and questions of faith. Based on the book by Jack L. Seymour and Margaret Ann Crain.
February 16, 23, March 2, 9, and 16, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Lenten Discussion - Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew Deepen your Christian walk this Lenten season. Join this enriching discussion. “Who is Jesus?” Strip away the Hollywood images to see the man who could be termed 'a good Jew', and still is the Son of God.
February 16, 23, March 2, 9, and 16, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Soup, Song & Story - Soup will be served beginning at 6 pm followed by song and story. It will be over in time to attend The Jesus I Never Knew discussion.
March 12, 1 p.m. Annual Children's Easter Egg Hunt - This special Saturday event for children ages 2 through 5th grade is sponsored by our Junior High Youth. More than 500 eggs, and a golden prize egg, await the children, along with games and refreshments. We gather around 1 p.m., and the Easter Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. and will last until the last egg has been found. Come rain or shine with your Easter basket.
March 27, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Annual Easter Brunch- Children, youth and adults are invited to attend the annual Easter brunch between worship services in the Fellowship Hall.
Special Lent and Holy Week Services, 2005
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February 9, 7:30 p.m.
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Ash Wednesday – A simple and profound worship experience that will include the imposition of ashes. |
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March 20, 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
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Palm Sunday – Begin Holy Week by picking up a palm cross and remembering the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The children will join in a special processional at the 11 a.m. service. |
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March 20, 7:00 p.m.
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Palm Sunday – A special service of healing and renewal will be held. |
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March 24, 7:30 p.m.
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Maundy Thursday – A special service of Holy Communion, recalling the Last Supper in the upper room when Christ transformed the traditional Passover seder into the central sacrament of the Christian tradition. The service will include a number of personal reflections on the key words of this event. |
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March 25, 4 - 7:00 p.m.
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Good Friday — Prayer Vigil - Silent meditation in the Sanctuary. A guide for your prayers is provided. |
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March 25, 7:30 p.m.
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Good Friday — Come hear the story, feel the grief and anger of the ultimate evil and help each other carry the tragedy of the day. |
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March 27, 6 a.m.
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Easter Sunrise Service — Greet the Easter dawn as we begin the joy of Easter in our outdoor worship area. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. |
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March 27, 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
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Easter Worship Services — Come, celebrate the resurrection, as we proclaim the good news in Word and with special music. |
A nursery is provided for all services, except for
the Prayer Vigil and
Easter Sunrise Service.