Room to Grow
March 18, 2025
"Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me."
~ "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," The Faith We Sing #2146
A Stepping Stone on the Lenten Path
Each year during Lent, it is the privilege of the Passionate Worship Committee to create a meaningful service, a Stepping Stone, for those who want to have some quiet time with their thoughts as they ponder this season of anticipation. Designed to be presented half-way through Lent as a stepping stone on the journey toward death and eventual resurrection, this service church challenges us to pause, to listen, and to share our responses through worship, prayer, and presence.
The committee's goal is to create an immersive experience for attendees, one in which different facets of prayer can seep in. To prepare, we sift through piles of appropriate pieces of music, searching out special biblical verses, readings, and meaningful poetry. We work closely with dancer and choreographer Lisa Nicks, who has participated in almost all of the Stepping Stone services over the years, to weave dance and movement into the service as yet another form of sacred expression. This worshipful hour is a time for us to step forward slowly while still holding the courage to acknowledge what is yet to come during this season. We include the sacrament of Communion in the service as a reminder of God's presence and love for us.
Even during this season of temptation, doubt, and darkness, God is still with us. During Advent, it is easy to anticipate the joy of Christmas! By contrast, during Lent, we are called to go within, to wrestle with uncomfortable truths, and to walk with Jesus as he goes off into the hills on the last night of his life. Through this, that feeling of closeness and belonging to God can feel far away, or even lost at times. Still, we can be reassured that it is not lost, that we are not lost. There is always a way for us to hear, feel, and find our way to God. I am reminded of this lyric from a favorite hymn: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me."
I invite you to take an hour this Friday evening to let yourself be immersed in this season. Sing. Pray. Listen. Take Communion. Prayers, beautiful melodies, and inspired dance can provide deep inspiration in the moment, and can leave lasting peace within you for the remainder of this road to resurrection. The Chancel Choir will perform hymns sacred and familiar while talented soloists will bring fresh focus to words and melodies. Dylan Graves will lead the Jones Handbell Choir in providing ritualistic-sounding chimes and bells to add to the overall experience. Above all, we will be reminded that we are Beloved. Jesus loves us, watches over us, blesses us, and provides for us. "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me."
