The most wonderful time … 

While the weather may be “frightful,” the coming time of the year is one of my favorites if, for no other reason, plenty of folks find a reason to be in worship together with God’s people. Sure, some come for the carols and others for the joyful Easter hymns, but as a unit the coming months are by far my favorite time.

First consider this wonderful time …
Advent Evening Prayer doesn’t draw in huge crowds, but even a short time … 45 minutes or so … provides a respite for those of us who gather. And we are intentional in this season to be as “peaceful” as possible on the three Wednesday evenings of Advent.

Christmas Eve is designed for bringing together folks who often don’t find themselves in worship at St. John’s. I enjoy the Service of Lessons and Carols mostly because it gives me plenty of reason to pack it full of wonderful carols.

Christmas Day may not draw a huge crowd, but there is something about being in worship with God’s people together that is incredibly beneficial. And since we gather in our chapel for worship on Christmas Day, a “crowd” of 40-50 folks means some really great singing!

And then another wonderful time …

January always includes a celebration of National Lutheran Schools Week (this year on January 25), providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ministry of our school. 

And while it doesn’t draw crowds, celebrating the Transfiguration of Our Lord (this year on February 14/15) is a personal favorite, especially since in just a few days we will arrive at Ash Wednesdays and the beginning of Lent.

Speaking of Lent … and Easter

Ash Wednesday (February 18) is particularly meaningful for me since I get the opportunity to interact directly with dozens of worshippers who through the Imposition of Ashes are reminded in a very visceral way of sinfulness.
Lenten Evening Prayer, while devotional, is designed usually to engage me spiritually and thoughtfully.  I haven’t decided on a theme for these Wednesday evening services, but I pray it engages your mind and spirit as well.

Holy Week (March 28/29 through April 4) includes no less than SEVEN opportunities for worship and several of them take a deep dive into the story of our Lord’s passion, the story also of our salvation.

Easter Sunday morning (April 5 this year) is an especially joyous time for God’s people. Fabulous hymns and (I pray) inspiring preaching may just convince another to give more regular church attendance a try during the weeks of Easter.

Let’s see, the first half of the church year, from Nov. 30 through May 24 (Pentecost Sunday) is filled to overflowing … and intentionally so.  The “most wonderful time of the year” to be certain!