The 1st Sunday in Lent
February 22nd marks the 1st Sunday in Lent. This week, in the sermon series "Face to Face & Heart to Heart," Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "When Satan Met Jesus" will focus on Matthew 4:1-11.
Every year, the RCL begins the season of Lent with the story of Jesus in the wilderness, led by the Spirit but tempted by Satan. Satan’s provocations attempt to drive a wedge between Jesus and the Father who’s will he was sent to do. Yet all of Satan’s questions serve to clarify Jesus’ purpose, and to showcase the trust that Jesus puts in God–trust he will need as he makes his slow journey to the cross. Meeting Jesus shows us the example of how to trust, even when the hardest temptations come our way.
Notes from the Bench
Our music today honors both the season of Lent and Black History Month. As we begin our Lenten journey, we reflect on our pastor’s Ash Wednesday sermon, which drew from Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful message, “Loving Your Enemies.” Dr. King reminds us that love is not a passive sentiment, but courageous action — a daily discipline that transforms hearts and communities. We were invited to choose a practice this season that helps us live out that call to love more intentionally, even when it is difficult. During this Black History Month, we also pause to honor the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson, whose lifelong advocacy for justice and equality carried forward the work of the Civil Rights Movement and challenged our nation to more fully embody compassion and fairness.
Our handbell prelude, Jesus Has Gone Out in a Weary Land, sets the tone with a spiritual that echoes Christ’s own journey into the wilderness. The choral anthem, Gospel Jubilee, bursts forth in joyful praise—a spirited medley celebrating the deep well of joy we have in Christ. This hand-clapping and soulful piece captures the vibrant energy and enduring faith of the Black church tradition.
At the offertory, we hear Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho by Fela Sowande (1905–1987), the Nigerian-born composer often called the “father of modern Nigerian art music.” Sowande masterfully blended African musical idioms with Western classical forms, elevating spirituals and folk melodies into concert works of dignity and strength. The story of Joshua reminds us that faith can bring down even the strongest walls—a fitting message as we begin our Lenten journey.
The service concludes with Toccato from Suite No. 1 for Organ written in 1942 by Florence Price (1887–1953), the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. A former theater organist, Price filled the piece with brilliant, fast-paced writing that highlights the performer’s technique while blending late Romantic richness with African American musical idioms, Southern dance rhythms, blues-inflected gestures, and even touches of French Impressionistic color. Once overlooked, her organ music is now recognized as a vital contribution to American classical music, reflecting both her deep religious faith and her Southern folkloric roots, and it sends us forth with energy and confidence as we carry the reflective call of Lent alongside the triumphant legacy of faith we honor during Black History Month.
Worship Service will also include the hymns I Shall Not Be Moved, Sweet, Sweet Spirit and Lift Every Voice and Sing along with the Anthem, Gospel Jubilee, sung by the Chancel Choir with soloists Kylonna Leevy and Sam Williams.
Come join us at 9:00 a.m. as we Worship Together. We hope something in this music and message uplifts and strengthens your spirit. You are always welcome here.
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