Instead of giving up stuff, what if we gave up ideas that are holding us back from living with more compassion, courage, and peace?
Lent is a 40 day season in the life of the church, practiced by congregations from many different backgrounds, that prepares us for Easter Sunday. During this season, many people of faith choose to fast from things in their lives. What if we chose to fast from narratives and ideas that prevent us from loving our neighbors, finding peace in ourselves, and making a difference in the world?
As we journey through the Gospel of John, we give ourselves permission to grieve. We give ourselves permission to be loved. We give ourselves permission to find forgiveness. We give ourselves permission to think how our faith informs our politics. We give ourselves permission to reject violence. We give ourselves permission to remember that we are never alone.
And especially on Easter Sunday, we celebrate that faith invites us to be transformed.
Our Lent Series begins with a special Ash Wednesday service on February 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM in collaboration with First Christian Church of Orange and Holy Angels Independent Catholic Church.
February 18 – Ash Wednesday – “Not every voice wants the best for us.”
The Good Shepherd
John 10:1-18
February 22 – “Our grief deserves to be private.”
Jesus Raises Lazarus
John 11:1-44
March 1 – “We don’t deserve to be loved.”
Jesus Washes Feet
John 13:1-17
March 8 – “We are the worst thing we have ever done.”
Peter’s Denial
John 18:12-27
March 15 – “Faith and politics don’t mix.”
Jesus and Pilate
John 18:28-40
March 22 – “We are powerless in the face of injustice.”
Jesus Condemned
John 19:1-16a
March 29 – Palm Sunday – “Violence can be justified.”
The Crucified Messiah
John 19:16b-22
April 2 – Maundy Thursday – “We must do it all by ourselves.”
Jesus’ Last Words
John 19:23-30
April 5 – Easter – “Faith should not change or challenge us.”
Resurrection
John 20:1-18