What is Lent?
Boston is busy and hurried. Our hearts don’t have to be.
Lent is a time of examining our desires, preparing our hearts, and uncluttering lives as we look toward Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus.
Pastor Eugene Peterson described our need for an "uncluttered time and space to distance ourselves from the frenzy of our own activities so we can see what God has been and is doing." The observance of Lent is an ancient practice of the church. It is a 40-day journey marked by humility, reflection, and repentance intended to shift our desires toward Jesus, the only one who can satisfy our souls.
The season begins on Ash Wednesday, marking the call to reflection and repentance. Ashes are applied to one's forehead in the shape of a cross to symbolize that we are mortal and need something bigger than ourselves. As the ashes are applied, the pastor reminds us of our frailty and need for a Savior. The ashes are not magical, but they are a reminder of these realities.
As we refocus our hearts from lesser joys, we realize there is greater joy to be found in Christ.
This season begins with Ash Wednesday, March 5.
We hope you will join us in the Sanctuary for a time of Scripture reading, singing, and prayer at6:15 PM.
We will also celebrate Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Sunday on April 20. Check out the links below for more information.
Lent & Easter Events
Ash Wednesday
March 5, 6:15 PM
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, a 40 day period of reflection and repentance designed to direct our hearts toward Jesus. At the service, ashes are applied to one's forehead in the shape of a cross to symbolize that we are mortal and need something bigger than ourselves. As the ashes are applied, the pastor reminds us of our frailty and need for a Savior. The ashes are not magical, but they are a reminder of these realities. Please join us on Wednesday March 5 at 6:15 pm service for a time of singing, readings and confession.
Good Friday
Friday April 18, TBD
On Good Friday, we remember the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins. This is a time to reflect and remember the love of God who gave His own Son to die in our place, to set us free from sin. All four City on a Hill congregations (Brighton, Brookline, Forest Hills, and Somerville) will get together on Friday April 18 at ? PM for a Good Friday service to celebrate the love of God for us on the cross.
The Digital Fast
Starting March 5
Starting March 5, we invite you to embark on a 28-day experience to “detox” from digital distractions and refocus on what matters most—without giving up your phone entirely!
The Digital Fast guides you through reducing digital distractions and increasing your spiritual devotion. It includes:
A 28-day devotional workbook.
The Aro app (yes, an app!) to track how much time we collectively spend OFF our phones each week.
Materials:
The Digital Fast workbook will be available to anyone who registers.
Aro App Access: Our entire congregation has 60 days of free access to the Aro app starting on March 5. Only one household member needs to register; family members can join through the app. Sign up for the app here
Easter Sunday
Sunday April 20, 9:00 AM
On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the fact that Jesus not only died, but rose again three days later to defeat sin and death. This is the hope of the Christian faith — that Jesus has risen victorious!
There will be food after the service and a photobooth for FREE family Easter pictures.
You are invited to City on a Hill for a worship service full of joy, singing, and hope as we celebrate the resurrected Jesus!
Lent & Easter FAQ’s
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, a 40 day period of reflection and repentance designed to direct our hearts toward Jesus. At the service, ashes are applied to one's forehead in the shape of a cross to symbolize that we are mortal and need something bigger than ourselves. As the ashes are applied, the pastor reminds us of our frailty and need for a Savior. The ashes are not magical, but they are a reminder of these realities.
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is celebrated with a worship service that falls on the Sunday before Easter each year. It is a time to remember the triumphal entry of Jesus (Luke 19:28-40) as He rides in on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). It reminds us that Jesus is powerful, yet humble; laying His life down out of His deep well of compassion for the lost (Luke 19:41-44).
What is Good Friday?
On Good Friday, we reflect upon what Jesus did on the cross for us (Romans 5:6-8). This is a time of remembrance and worship because Jesus gave His life in our place: the just for the unjust, the innocent for the guilty (2 Corinthians 5:21). We call the death of Jesus “good” because He bore our sin and shame so that we could be set free (Isaiah 53). Jesus did this out of His great love for us, desiring that we would be forgiven of our sins once and for all. Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried in a tomb.
What is Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday is a day of celebration because Jesus is risen from the dead! After three days in the tomb, God raised Jesus from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). This is our great hope that sin and death have been defeated once and for all. Since Jesus rose from the dead and is alive, we can believe that one day all things will be made right and that He is the good, reigning King over all creation (Revelation 21:1-4).
Why do you recommend fasting* & Feasting during Lent?
Fasting and Feasting are practices that teach us to hunger for God and be satisfied in Him. John Starke states in his book, The Possibility of Prayer, “The rhythm of feasting and fasting forms hearts at rest with God rather than hearts that restlessly crave the things of this world.” Fasting is to intentionally abstain from food*, entertainment, or anything that may distract the soul to train our desires to long for God. Feasting is the practice of delighting in God’s good gifts with great joy.
For example, we intentionally fast from items such as social media, cell phones, certain drinks, or a type of food during Lent to tune our hearts to look to the joy of Easter. Feasting may be taking time to prepare and enjoy a delicious meal while intentionally thanking God for that blessing.
*Before fasting from food, consider your overall health and consider talking to a doctor.