EXPLORING THE WILDERNESS
through the lens of our neighbors
Lent begins on Wednesday, February 26 with the imposition of Ashes. We will take our ashes to the streets etching the sign of the cross on the brow of those who are filled with great joy and those who walk in brokenness. Throughout the 40 days of Lent we will spend time reflecting, lamenting and moving toward the cross praying for a day when all of God’s children experience the simple dignity of shelter and food.
What does it mean to be a child of God? That is what we will explore through this wilderness journey. We will hear stories from those who have lived on the streets and perhaps some who still do, we will learn from service providers about the work they are doing to help our un-housed and we will explore together what our faith tradition teaches us about helping the “least of these.”
Our journey begins on Ash Wednesday. We will gather at the Garden Church at 1:00 p.m. to walk our neighborhood and then meet in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. as we continue worship.
Each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. during worship we will have a special
Mission Moment focusing on our un-housed.
Palm Sunday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. we begin the service waving palm branches and singing loud Hosannas representing Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem. We will then stripe the altar as the mood changes to the last days of Jesus’ life.
Maundy Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. we gather in Friendship Hall for a meaningful service of remembering the foot washing, the breaking of the bread and Jesus’ betrayal.
Good Friday we take it back to the streets of our neighborhood at 6:00 p.m. with the “Seven Last Words” gathering at the Garden Church and ending at the
new homeless shelter on the corner of 8th and Beacon.
Easter Sunday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. our journey leads us to singing “Alleluia Christ is Risen.” We are reminded that even in our suffering Christ is risen bringing us hope for a new day!
San Pedro United Methodist Church 580 W. 6th Street www.http//umcsanpedro.org