Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. This Lent, we will focus on the ideas central to Jesus’ life and ministry: radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all.

Jesus’ words are easily distorted and sanitized in our modern world. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.” Therefore, the good news should bring us back to our roots. Emulating Jesus and embodying his teachings should ground us in who God created us to be. Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news?

We hope this series will provide fertile ground for conversation and worship, rooting our hearts and lives in the expansive goodness of God. This Lent, let the teachings of Jesus lead us forward. May the good news inspire us to take action in a world desperate to hear, see, and taste what is good.

Resources for our Lenten Journey

Lenten Daily Devotionals: Printable or Digital

Regular Opportunities to Worship, Study and Pray

  • Prayer Group gathers every Thursday morning at 9:30am, both in-person and on Zoom, for 30 minutes of prayer for our church and world. Consider joining us and deepening your prayer life this Lenten season.

  • Worship Services take place every Sunday at 9:02am & 11:00am. Our 9:02 service is a contemporary, discussion-based service that meets in the Fellowship Hall and our 11am service is a traditional service that meets in the Sanctuary. Childcare & worshipful opportunities for children are available in both services. 

  • Sunday School gatherings for all ages meet every Sunday at 10:00 am:

    • Gatherings for Children & Youth: Pre-K - 2nd Grade class; 3rd - 5th Grade class; 6th - 8th Grade class

    • Our High School Class & Adult Class will spend the Lenten season discussing different atonement theologies, which seek to answer the question, “Why did Jesus die on the cross?” During this class, we will discuss how ancient church fathers and mothers, and modern-day theologians wrestle with this question. If you have ever struggled with the violence of the cross, or feel uneasy when people say things like, "God's wrath was satisfied when Jesus was crucified," this conversation is for you. As we journey with Jesus towards the cross, let us reflect on what the cross means in the Christian faith, and what it might mean for us today.

    • ESL Sunday School embarks on a slow reading of the Sunday Scripture, providing a place for people of all language and educational backgrounds to engage with our sacred stories.

    • After 9:02 Gathering: Join 9:02 worshippers for an informal gathering based on the Sunday Scripture, and a chance to fellowship and catch up on life!

Special Worship Services

  • April 2, Thursday - Maundy Thursday: St. Paul’s will host dinner at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall, followed by Maundy Thursday worship at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary with our friends from Community UCC.

  • April 3, Friday - Good Friday: St. Paul’s does not host a Good Friday worship service. Instead we encourage folks to attend one of the Good Friday services hosted by sister churches in the area. We will share more details about these services soon.

  • April 5, Sunday - Easter Sunday: In addition to worship services at 9:02 and 11:00 am, we will have a Potluck Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. 11:00 worship will begin in the Fellowship Hall with baptisms before moving into the Sanctuary. 

Community Opportunities to Serve, Connect, and live the good news!

Wake Interfaith Immigration Network Virtual Meeting - Thursday, February 26, 12pm - 1pm

  • You are invited to join an initial organizing meeting of faith communities and their members in Wake County committed to standing with our immigrant neighbors and addressing concerning practices by immigration enforcement authorities. Click here to register. 

Ramadan Friendship Dinners with the Divan Center - February 26, March 3, March 5, or March 11

  • Join Muslim neighbors as they break their daily fast and learn more about their celebration of Ramadan. Click here to RSVP.

  • You can also sign up to attend a home-based, Family Ramadan Dinner in person to break bread with a Muslim Family between Feb. 20 - March 18. The exact date of the dinner will be decided together with the host family and the guest family. Click here to sign up.

Creation Care Retreat at Camp Caroline - February 27 - March 1:

Team Trivia Night - Friday, March 6 at 7:00pm (Dinner Fundraiser at 6:30pm)

  • Join us on Friday, March 6 to test your trivia knowledge and have fun with friends! Trivia will begin at 7pm, with a pizza dinner fundraiser at 6:30pm. All profits from the pizza dinner will go to Siembra NC’s immigration advocacy work. Suggested donation is $5 - $10 per person. Click here to RSVP for trivia and/or dinner.

Habitat for Humanity’s Interfaith Build Work Day - March 14, Saturday, 8:15am - 3:30pm:

  • Join St. Paul’s Outreach Team as they partner with individuals from many faiths to build affordable housing for neighbors in our community. Click here to sign up by February 27, or contact Pastor Diane for more details. 

St. Paul’s Virtual Book Club - Tuesday March 17 at 7:00 pm

St. Paul’s Property Work Day - Saturday, March 21, 9:00am - 12:00pm

  • All ages are invited to help with projects around St. Paul’s campus. Donuts & coffee provided. 

Community Blood Drive with the American Red Cross - Monday, March 23, 1:00 - 6:00pm

  • Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (5060 Six Forks Road); Sign up details to come. 

Inter-Community Seder with Temple Beth Orr - Thursday, March 26, 6:00 - 8:30 pm:

  • Up to four representatives from St. Paul’s are invited to attend a community-wide Seder at Temple Beth Orr. Contact Diane for details by March 10.