Season of Lent 2025: Jesus, Refuge of the Weary
Having seen the glory of Christ revealed throughout the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, the Christian Church now turns her attention to the road that will lead Christ to resurrection glory by way of the cross. But the road down which Christ leads us is a difficult one. During the 40 days of Lent, God calls his children to lives of repentance over the sins that impede and harass us every step of the way.
But we do not journey aimlessly or alone during Lent. On the contrary, we Christ in the lead, unmoved and unphased. And while the passion history gives us glimpses into his humiliation, the Sundays in Lent, give us a glimpse of his inevitable victory. As often as we stumble, Christ succeeds. As often as we witness our own failures, Christ bestows forgiveness. For this reason, “Sundays have never been counted as part of the forty days. Thus, they are labeled Sundays in Lent rather than Sundays of Lent. Chrysostom referred to them as ‘inns… and havens, for those to rest in who have taken upon them the course of fasting in this holy time of Lent, that they may refresh their bodies a little from the labors of fasting.’ (Homily XI on Genesis) While worship during Lent is solemn and muted, the gospel remains our central focus as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
This year’s Lenten series is drawn from the title of a hymn written during the Middle Ages. When the faithful were beset by questions such as “Where can I find rest for my soul? How can I struggle against sin? What is God’s plan for me? How will a righteous God treat a rebellious child?” The papacy offered the wretched answer, “Do what is in you.” Proto-reformers, among them Giordano Savonarola offered the true answer in terms of justification: Jesus [is the] Refuge of the Weary, [the] Redeemer, whom we love, [the] fountain in life’s desert dreary, [the] Savior from the world above.
Join us this Lent for our new series:
March 9 | Triumph for those Terrorized by Temptation
March 16 | Safety for Those Searching for Security
March 23 | An Answer for Those Encountering Anxiety
March 30 | Generosity for Those Grappling with Guilt
April 6 | Grace for Those Governed by Greed
Midweek Lenten Devotions: 3:30 PM & 7 PM
It is one of the most common prayers of God’s child. “Lord, have mercy!” Mercy is the withholding of punishment or negative consequences that a guilty person deserves. Thus, when we pray, “Lord, have mercy,” 1) we are acknowledging that we have lived in ways deserving of God’s condemnation and punishment, and 2) we are begging God to not condemn or punish us. How important is that prayer? If you cannot say it with sincerity, you cannot be saved. For if you cannot speak that prayer, you cannot possibly believe you need a Savior. Therefore, God gave us his law, in part, so that we would see our need for mercy. St. Paul writes, “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law” (Romans 7:7). And God gave us the gospel that we might know he has shown us mercy.
Thus, it is good and right that in this solemn season of Lent, we would review God’s law as revealed in the Ten Commandments and connect it with Christ’s passion. We will see how we have shattered all the commandments and are deserving of punishment. However, will we also see how Jesus took the suffering we deserved upon himself. Seeing both, may the Spirit empower us to pray, “Lord, have mercy!” and confidently believe that in Christ, we have God’s mercy in inexhaustible abundance.
Join us for our upcoming midweek Lenten series: Lord, Have Mercy. Special Midweek Devotions are scheduled at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. each Wednesday evening during Lent.
Lenten Service Dates & Themes:
March 5 - Ash Wednesday (Holy Communion) - Salvation for those Struggling with Sin
March 12 - Lord, Have Mercy…For Our Incessant Idolatry
March 19 - Lord, Have Mercy…For Demonstrating Irreverence and Despising Your Rest
March 26 - Lord, Have Mercy…For Treating Others Like Trash, not Treasure
April 2 - Lord, Have Mercy…For Failing to Live with Integrity
April 9 - Lord, Have Mercy…For Abusing Your Commandments
Online & Radio:
3:30 p.m. service: Livestream on YouTube
7:00 p.m. service: Broadcast on WJMQ 92.3 FM
Join us for our Lenten suppers, available in the Fellowship Hall, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday.
Have you heard the exciting news?
Emanuel now has its very own app – Realm Connect!
Why an App?
We know many of you already love our website, but wouldn't it be great to have all that information more conveniently at your fingertips? With the Realm Connect app, you can access everything you love about Emanuel Lutheran on your mobile device, computer, or tablet.
What Can You Do with Realm Connect?
Stay In the Know: Get the latest church news, announcements, and upcoming events delivered straight to your device.
Sign Up to Volunteer: Easily see volunteer opportunities and sign up for those that fit your interests and schedule.
Access Resources: Coming this spring, those members who have logged in will have access to an online church directory, making it easier to connect with fellow congregants.
Online Giving: Establish or monitor your church offerings.
Realm Connect: Your Digital Hub for Emanuel!
We're excited to see you connect with our community and stay engaged with the church in a whole new way!
Getting Started is Easy!
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:19-20 EHV
