Hirtenbrief 1-2016

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

The Season of Lent is nearly here! Ash Wednesday, this Wednesday, February 10, 2016,
will begin the Lenten Season. So then, may I briefly outline the historical importance of Lent
and then close with a number of liturgical points that you'll see during our observance of Lent.

The modern 40 day observance (less Sundays) of Lent is the product of long development in the history of the Church. It's very important for us to remember that our Sunday worship services are "in" Lent; not "of' Lent. Therefore, Sundays during Lent are designed to draw our attention to the mission of the Church and to encourage our continued trust in Jesus Christ, our Pascha.

The early Church, developing in a time of persecution, used the annual Pascha as a final preparation for baptismal candidates. They were required to fast and attend classes in Scriptural teachings and the doctrines of the Church. The fast lasted 40 days, reflecting the importance of the 40 day period in various Scriptural accounts. Examinations of the candidates were held, beginning on the third Wednesday of Lent and lasting until Holy Saturday.

When Constantine issued the Edict of Toleration (313) and Christianity emerged from its underground status, membership preparation became more relaxed and this preparation period for new members was extended for all Christians. Toward the end of the 7^th century, the 4 days from Ash Wednesday to Invocabit (First Sunday in Lent) were added. The pre-lenten period beginning with Septuagesima (this year, February 1) also came to be
seen as a preparation period for Lent.

The intent of the Lenten season was not to extend contemplation of the sufferings of our Savior for the full 40 day period. Instead, the emphasis of the first part of Lent, Ash Wednesday to Judica (Fifth Sunday in Lent), is to prepare believers for the celebration of Easter by a call to repentance and faith; then Passiontide considers the Scriptural basis for our Savior's sacrifice (Palm Sunday is the alternate, of which we will observe); then Holy Week, which focuses on our suffering Savior. At various times throughout history, Christians have been reminded that the purpose of Lent is not to dwell on the sufferings of the Savior but rather to prepare themselves for a blessed celebration of His resurrection.

In both the Eastern and Western Churches, Sundays were excluded from the Lenten observance, being regarded rather as "little Easters" or celebrations of the Resurrection. Evolving customs in the Church, however, have in recent times allowed the Lenten emphasis to influence the Sundays as well, especially in the Western Church.

Thusly, you'll notice that beginning on February 14th and throughout Lent: we will omit The Gloria Patri from all services in addition to dropping alleluia's and The Gloria in Excelsis; violet is the proper color, and hymns become more and more somber. As we move "deeper" into Lent, you will also notice that organ music will become more restricted. These periods of
silence are important, as they assist you in your focus upon your sin, repentance, and the death and resurrection of your Lord Jesus.

The ancient custom of covering all crosses and crucifixes from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday remains meaningful; therefore, you will see that our Altar Cross will be draped with a black cloth. During Holy Week, additionally, a Crown of Thorns will be draped from our Altar Cross. Midweek services will follow the same Lenten regimen, with a major change, during Midweek services; we will not be using flowers. The austerity of the Altar is meant to remind you of the severity of your sin; for there is no beauty in our sin.

Lastly, may the words of Hymn 153:3, be of special emphasis for you during this Lenten Season:

Ye who think of sin but lightly
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.

Mark the Sacrifice appointed,
See who bears the awful load;

Tis the WORD, the LORD'S ANOINTED,
Son of Man and Son of God.

Pastor Patterson

The Transfiguration of Our Lord, 2016