An Introduction to Our Theme

Graphic Design by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | Original photography by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity | Words by Rev. Sarah Speed

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The origins of Lent were that one was to leave their old life behind to fast and prepare to be baptized into a new way of living. In essence, this was a practice of stepping away from corrupt power, scarcity mentality, and empty rituals in order to live a more expansive and full life of faith. And so, our Lenten theme, Full to the Brim, is an invitation—into a radically different Lent, into a full life. It’s an invitation to be authentically who you are, to counter scarcity and injustice at every turn, to pour out grace wherever it is needed. When we allow ourselves to be filled to the brim with God’s lavish love, that love spills over. It reaches beyond ourselves; like water, it rushes and flows, touching everything in its path.

The scriptures for this Lenten season (in the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C) are filled with parables and promises of God’s abundant and expansive grace. Jesus as a mother hen, a prodigal son welcomed home, a fig tree nurtured with care and hope, precious oil poured out lovingly and freely, stones shouting out with praise—these sacred texts are brimming with a gospel of grace. We’ve done nothing to deserve or earn this grace, and yet, like water, it spills over.

Full to the Brim reminds us to live fully—as we pursue justice and hope, or express grief and gratitude. If love is our beginning, how can we live our lives led by love’s promises? And so, this Lent, let us trust—fully—that we belong to God. Let us increase our capacity to receive and give grace. Let us discover the expansive life God dreams for us.

Opportunities to go deeper this Lent:
• Tuesday morning Lenten study with Revs. Ana & Tod Gobledale and their congregation in England, 7:00 am on Zoom
• Tuesday morning Poetry Prayer (using practice of Lectio Divina) with Pastor Thandiwe, 8:00 am on Zoom
• Wednesday evening Lenten Devotional Group, 7:00 pm on Zoom

Special Worship During Lent

March 2 Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Worship, 7:00 pm

First Congregational Church
 

March 20 Guest Minister, Rev. Dr. Ana K. Gobledale
Dedication of Ezra Dale-Ferguson
 

April 14 Ecumenical Maundy Thursday Worship, 7:00 pm

First United Presbyterian Church, 400 E 4th St, Loveland

April 15 Ecumenical Good Friday Worship, 7:00 pm

First Christian Church, 2000 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland

April 17 Easter Sunrise Service, 6:30 am

Kauffmans’ Home (502 S CR 9E, Loveland)
Easter Worship, 10:00 am
First Congregational Church
 

April 24 Resurrection Sunday, 10:00 am
First Congregational Church