LENT is the season in the life of faith that comprises the six weeks before Easter.  It begins with Ash Wednesday, an occasion to confess our need for forgiveness and renewal, and continues through the holy days of Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter), Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter), and Good Friday.

Culminating with the remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday, Lent presents us with an opportunity to reflect upon our lives — our hopes and dreams, our failures and short-comings — and how they engage with the Lord’s great plan for new life in Jesus Christ. At Laurel, we offer several ways in which people of faith may partner on this journey.  Beyond Sunday morning worship, we offer “Grace Groups,” small groups that meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm and Thursdays at 10:00 am, that guide us in fellowship, study and prayer.  (For more information, email us at laurelpres@verizon.net)

In addition, on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am, we’re starting a six-class series entitled, “Pausing on the Road to Jerusalem,” (Sunday, February 18) highlighting crucial interactions between Jesus and ordinary people in the ancient world. Class members are encouraged to read a four-page background paper each week (available at the “Adult Studies” tab on this website.)

The Ash Wednesday service of worship celebrated on February 14 at 7:00 pm is a brief but meaningful gathering, where we affirm our relationship to our Creator as frail children of God, gratefully seeking God’s mercy and support.

On Palm Sunday, March 25, at 10:00 am the Laurel Choir will inspire us with a lovely Lenten choral work during worship. On that Sunday, we’ll also vividly recall the triumphant procession of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem met by waving palm leaves, ancient symbols of heavenly royalty.

On Maundy Thursday, Mary 29, at 7:00 pm we celebrate the Lord’s Supper intimately at the front of the sanctuary recalling Jesus’ last moments with his disciples as he shared bread and wine (“My body broken for you… My blood poured out for you.”)

We hope that you might join us for one or more of these spiritually enriching activities during this Holy season!