February 18 – April 5, 2026
Lent was originally a season for new converts to prepare for baptism by learning what lay at the heart of Christian faith. In that same spirit, this Lent we will explore the core of Jesus’ life and ministry, asking what truly makes the Good News good and whether we can trust it even when it challenges us.
Following Jesus leads to a fuller, more expansive life, though not always a comfortable one. The word “radical” comes from the Latin radicalis, meaning root or ground, and Jesus’ ministry calls us back to what grounds us: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace.
This good news is extravagant and alive. It grows like a mustard seed, is shared like bread among the hungry, sounds like laughter and mercy, and feels like love put into action. We hope this Lenten season roots our worship and conversations in the deep goodness of God, inspiring us to live and act as bearers of that good news in the world.
LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICES & EVENTS:
February 18: Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, inviting us to reflect on our spiritual journey. How will you commit to worship, serve others, or deepen your connection with God this season? Let us set our intentions and seek the courage to begin to walk closer with God.
- 6:30am in the Chapel: Worship service, followed by a continental breakfast in the Kirchherr Light Court and a faith reflection from Barry Orr-Depner.
- 6:30pm in the Chapel: Family-friendly worship. Everyone is welcome!
- Labyrinth Walk in Plymouth Hall: The Labyrinth will be open and available for self-guided walks from 7:00am – 8:30pm. Be sure to bring your key card or door code for entry into the building.
Sunday Worship: 8:45 AM & 10:00 AM during Lent.
Sunday School & childcare available at both services.
*10AM services will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel @fccwesternsprings.
February 22, 1st Sunday of Lent
the good news is… so good it catches us by surprise
Scripture: John 2: 1–11: John’s Gospel doesn’t begin with a temptation story, but instead opens Jesus’ ministry with a wedding miracle. It may feel a bit lavish to start the season of Lent with a wedding banquet, but the good news begins with joy. This week we focus on the subversive and playful nature of the good news.
- Consider Bringing a Friend this Sunday and throughout Lent: First Congo loves to welcome all people, and we would be excited to meet your friend or neighbor during Lent. Grab an Invite a Friend postcard, available in the Kirchherr Light Court and Narthex, to personally invite a friend.
- 11:10 Connection: Join Pastor Chrissy in the Seim Room for a presentation on Liberation Theology. Although not required, you may wish to purchase the book Liberation Theology for Armchair Theologians by Miguel A. De La Torre.
March 1, 2nd Sunday of Lent
the good news is… great love for God & neighbor
Scripture: Matthew 25: 35–40 When we care for the hungry, the naked, the imprisoned – each of whom are created in the image of God – we are showing love for God, too.
- 11:10 Connection: Everyone deserves a birthday cake! Join us in the parlor to assemble Birthday Cake Bags, filled with everything needed to bake a cake, for our mission partner, Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
March 8, 3rd Sunday of Lent
the good news is… together, the impossible is possible
Scripture: Mark 6: 32–44 As Jesus and his disciples head to a deserted place, perhaps seeking peace and quiet, many from the surrounding towns follow them. Instead of turning them away, Jesus expresses compassion and begins an impromptu teaching session.
- 11:10 Connection: Pastor Meredith will lead a discussion in the Seim Room of the book Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
March 15, 4th Sunday of Lent
the good news is… protection & care for the vulnerable
Scripture: Matthew 19: 13–15 In many modern contexts, Jesus welcoming children may seem sweet. In his time, however, spending time with children would have been seen as wasteful or unimportant. When Jesus blesses the children after the disciples try to send them away, he reorients socially constructed hierarchies to center the vulnerable.
- 11:10 Connection: Join Pastor Chrissy for a post-sermon conversation in the Seim Room.
- Words & Music, 4:30 – 6:30PM in Plymouth Hall: We Can Change The World, a PF Fundraiser: An evening of storytelling and music celebrating how small acts spark meaningful change, featuring Plymouth Fellowship performers and storytellers, with proceeds supporting PF and the next generation of leaders.
March 22, 5th Sunday of Lent
the good news is… rooted in justice, mercy & faithfulness
Scripture: John 8: 2–11 As we move toward Holy Week, we acknowledge the ways Jesus’ ministry increasingly came into conflict with religious leaders who prioritized strict adherence to the law and perceived his teachings as a threat.
- 4th Grade Bible Presentation: Join us at 10am as we celebrate our 4th graders receiving their Bibles during First Steps!
- 11:10 Connection: Our series, Prayer Portals, continues in the Seim Room with Pastor Meredith. Check our website or Wednesday emails for more information.
March 29, Palm Sunday
the good news is… inspiring us to act
Scripture: Mark 11: 1–11 The Roman Triumph typically took place during Passover week as a display of Rome’s power, with the governor surrounded by the wealthiest and most influential citizens. In contrast, Jesus’ march is for the people, all the people: the hungry, the poor, and the afraid.
- 11:10 Connection: Join Pastor Chrissy for a post-sermon conversation in the Seim Room.
April 2, Maundy Thursday
the good news is… even Judas gets his feet washed
- 8pm: Maundy Thursday draws us into the quiet intimacy of Jesus’ final meal with his friends. On this night, we remember the towel and the basin, the bread and the cup – the simple, sacred gestures of love shared around a table.
April 3, Good Friday
the good news is… revealed through nonviolence
- 10am, Bemis Woods — Walk With Jesus & Stations of the Cross: A family-friendly outdoor walk through the Stations of the Cross, using nature to reflect on Jesus’ journey on Good Friday. Each station includes a short scripture, prayer, reflection, and activity. Printed prompts are available. Email Jen Enriquez at Jen@wscongo.org.
- 5pm, Plymouth Hall, Stations of the Cross & Labyrinth Walk: Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection on Christ’s crucifixion, as we accompany Jesus through the Stations of the Cross and reflect on his humility, endurance, and boundless mercy.
April 5, Easter Sunday
the good news is… alive in the world
Death cannot stop the good news. It is alive and unbound in the world. Like a mustard seed, it grows without limit. Like water turned into wine, it surprises us with joy. Like loaves of bread, it expands to feed every hungry soul.
- 7:30am: Worship Service with Communion
- 9 & 10:30am*: Worship Services with Chancel Choir & Brass
- Childcare available for ages 5 & under at 9 & 10:30am
- ALLELUIA! Easter Egg Hunt following the 10:30am service. Kids will search the church lawn for eggs spelling ALLELUIA!
The *10:30am service will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel.
LENTEN PATHWAYS:
ONGOING GATHERINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Prayer Partners – A Lenten Journey
Join a meaningful Lenten journey by signing up for a prayer partner where you will connect weekly to reflect on daily devotional cards. Prayer cards will be available beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Lent Kids’ Club: Learn, Love & Grow (for Families)
Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 5–6:30pm
Families are invited to Plymouth Hall for a simple dinner and formation activities connected to the week’s story. Short on time? Grab a to-go meal with conversation prompts to enjoy at home. Come to one or all.
Please help us plan by signing up for a Wednesday evening by visiting tinyurl.com/LentKidsClub. Donations are appreciated and help offset the cost of the event.
Questions? Contact jen@wscongo.org.
Vespers: Wednesday Evening Worship
Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 7:30pm (Zoom)
Join us for a brief evening devotional led by one of our clergy. This 15-minute service includes prayer, Scripture, silence, and a hymn — a meaningful way to pause, reflect, and center our hearts in God.
Contact Ron@wscongo.org for the Zoom link.
Agape Ringers Concert
March 1, 4–5:30pm (Sanctuary)
For over 30 years, The Agape Ringers have amazed & wowed audiences. They offer classical, sacred, jazz, spirituals, and original compositions by up & coming composers. You will not want to miss this concert.
Men’s Ministry Bible Study: Resurrection Theology
March 23, April 6 & 13 at 7:30pm (Seim Room)
Join Justin Williamson in the Seim Room for thoughtful conversation on resurrection theology. This three-part Bible study looks at the biblical accounts of Jesus’ resurrection and how the resurrection has been understood throughout the history of the church, and asks: How might these gospel stories of Jesus’ resurrection be speaking to our lives today?
PF Spring Work Tour
March 27 – April 5
Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026
Plymouth Fellowship is heading to Savannah, GA, for a Spring Break Work Tour focused on hands-on service, meaningful relationships, and shared purpose.
Service opportunities include: Home repair, food bank service, clothing distribution, homeless outreach, and supporting a therapeutic horse center.
TO REGISTER: Click below or visit tinyurl.com/PFWorkTour2026.
Please hold our high school students and their adult leaders in prayer as they travel to Savannah, Georgia, for a week of mission work, faith, and fellowship.
Faith & Flow Yoga
Sundays, 6–7pm & Wednesdays, 9:30–10:30am
Join us for all-levels of Faith & Flow Yoga on Sunday evenings at 6:00PM and Wednesday mornings at 9:30AM in the Chapel. The classes are taught by Emily Epstein, a certified instructor, on Sunday. Lisa Manecke, a certified instructor, teaches the Wednesday morning class.This one-hour class integrates teachings of yoga philosophy and Christian spirituality as students are guided through a basic to moderate vinyasa sequence (a method of yoga in which movements form a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath).
- Classes are open to individuals 13+.
- There is no charge for youth, and adults are encouraged to contribute $10/class to help cover expenses and fund related ministries.
- Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.
- Bring a mat.
Questions? Contact Faith Community Nurse Jean.
Art Gallery Exhibit Throughout Lent
Be sure to walk through the first-floor hallway in the Education Building to see our Lenten Art Exhibit, featuring artwork from Sanctified Art, installed by our Arts Ministry Team. This collection of artwork is inspired by scripture to go along with the theme, Tell Me Something Good.
Virtual Lectio Divina
We are pleased to share Marv Baldwin’s virtual Lectio Divina practice with you. Marv is a long-time member of our church and is founder of Soul Journeys. If you weren’t able to join one of the Lectio Divina groups, this is still a way for you to engage in this spiritual practice throughout Lent. Thanks, Marv!
