2018 Lenten Series
“Thy Will Be Done”
–“Not as I will, but as You will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. And that is our prayer as well this Lent as we seek to do God’s will in our lives, as we draw near to the observance of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection during Holy Week. Each service in this series focuses on a different aspect of God’s will at work among us. Biblical characters are used as insightful reference points each week to guide us in following our Lord more nearly day by day. Once again there will be lots of extra devotional materials for children and adults available for your Lenten journeys, and special tokens for the kids each Sunday for the children’s message. There will also be a special Lenten study shared by Belle Valley and Elmwood Ave. Churches on Tuesdays, from 6:30-8pm (w/snacks & goodies.) Details are listed under news & events.
Feb 14: Ash Wednesday “God’s Will and God’s Promise” (Abraham & Isaac)—7pm @ Emmanuel Presbyterian Church—a shared service with Belle Valley, Elmwood, and Emmanuel; including communion, the imposition of ashes, a joint choir anthem, and a sermon dialogue with Revs. Rick Cepris and Dave Edmunds.
Feb. 18 (Sunday, Lent I): “God’s Will and My Inadequacy” (Moses)
Feb. 25 (Sunday, Lent II) (Penny Sunday): “God’s Will and My Dreams” (David)
Mar. 4 (Sunday, Lent III) (communion; Mar. birthday off’g/coffee hr.): “God’s Will and My Identity” (Mary)
Mar. 11 (Sunday, Lent IV) (Deacons’ pasta dinner fundraiser): “God’s Will and My World View” (Paul)
Mar. 18 (Sunday, Lent V): “God’s Will and My Response” (Lydia)
Mar. 25 (Palm Sunday) (Penny Sunday): “God’s Will When We Are Not Willing”
Mar. 29 (Maundy Thursday): “God’s Will and Joyful Service”—7pm @ Elmwood Ave. Presbyterian Church—a shared service with Belle Valley, Elmwood, and Emmanuel; including communion, a joint choir anthem, and a sermon dialogue with Revs. Rick Cepris and Dave Edmunds.
Mar. 30 (Good Friday): “God’s Will Is Done”—Men’s Communion Breakfast @ 6:30am @ Belle Valley Presbyterian Church—join in the fellowship and sacredness of beginning this Holy Weekend with a special focus. We’ll enjoy a catered breakfast buffet ($10/each), and a brief devotion with communion. This event is open to the entire Erie area (of at least Presbyterians—though all are welcome)! RSVP to Dave Edmunds (397-1861, reved87@verizon.net) by Monday, Feb. 26.
April 1 (Easter Sunday): “God’s Will for the New Creation”—Please feel free to join with Belle Valley in the 68th Annual Community “Sonrise” Service @ the Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery (by the gazebo at the top of the hill) @ 6:30am. We will worship together as the sun, and the Son, rises. Then remember our Service of the Resurrection @ 11am, with communion, chancel choir, the glory of the lilies, and the Glory of the Son! Followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids @ 12:15pm. (Stay tuned for more info about purchasing Easter flowers for our chancel.)