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 and Activities for 2007

Feb. 20, 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.

Feb. 23-24: 30 Hour Famine - Make a donation to support a teen who is participating in World Vision's 16th annual event. The youth will 30 hours without food to get a taste of what the world's poorest children and families face. All money will support World Vision's efforts to combat hunger around the world. Join the youth as they conclude their fast with a special youth-led Xhilaration! worship service at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24.

Feb. 25, 4:30 p.m.: Family Movie Night - Join us for dinner in the Fellowship Hall, followed by "Moe and the Big Exit" showing in the Education Center.

Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.: Worried about your teen? "An Evening with Carol Maxym, Ph.D." - This community event will feature Dr. Maxym, a psychotherapist, educational consultant and author of Teens in Turmoil, acclaimed as the universal handbook for parents and professionals dealing with struggling teens. A $5 donation is requested.

Feb. 28 and March 7, 14, 21 and 28; 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Soup, Song & Story - Soup will be served beginning at 6 p.m., followed by song and story. A wonderful fellowship time for the whole family, and a favorite Lenten tradition at Good Shepherd. This year our theme is "Outreach and Mission," and our purpose is to hear stories from some of the local, national and international organizations that we support.

March 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Spaghetti Dinner, Silent Auction, Talent Show - Come enjoy good food, bid on special items and hear local talent in a fun evening. All proceeds support the 2007 Lakota Mission Team that will travel to South Dakota this summer and other outreach ministries of The Church of the Good Shepherd.

March 4, 7 p.m.: Xhilaration!: Join us for a special youth-led worship service in the Fellowship Hall, featuring our "Beyond Sunday" praise band and a focus on "New Beginnings."

March 25, 9:45-10:45 a.m.: "Eggstravaganza" Celebration - The whole family can enjoy this special event during the Sunday school hour, featuring praise in song, Easter Egg hunts for all age groups of children and youth followed by a light buffet breakfast. Be sure and pick up in the narthex a Family Lenten Devotional with family activities for Holy Week.

April 8, 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. We'll gather to enjoy good food, fellowship, music and the release of butterflies to signify the New Life in the risen Lord.

Special Lent and Holy Week Services, 2007

Lent is a time to prepare our hearts and minds to receive the Easter message. Pastor Steve Proctor will lead us in worship. A nursery is provided for all services, except for the Prayer Vigil and Easter Sunrise Service

A nursery is provided for all services, except for the Prayer Vigil and
Easter Sunrise Service.