Lent 2025: Setting the Table
Lent is a sacred journey that leads us to the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a season calling us to reflect on the boundless love of God revealed in Jesus, and his victory over sin, evil, and death. During Lent, we are invited to recall what it means to be disciples—followers of Jesus—each day of our lives.
In the final days of Jesus’ life, he gathered with his closest friends to share the Passover meal, connecting the ancient story of God’s liberating power with his own sacrifice. After the resurrection, Jesus’ disciples gathered in his name, breaking bread together in his memory to experience him in their midst. This sacred tradition continues today, as we come together in remembrance.
But the Upper Room was not the only place Jesus was at a table or told stories about tables. In this Lenten sermon series, Setting the Table, we invite you to explore some of the “table stories” from the Gospel of Luke. Through these reflections, we are challenged to consider how we can set the table of God’s love, justice, grace, and mercy in the world around us.
Lenten Programs:
Tuesday, March 4, 11:30am (soup), 12noon (cinema). Conclude at 2pm
Soup and Cinema at AHCC. Lent appropriate showing of Chocolat.
Chocolat is a 2000 film based on the 1999 novel of the same name by the Joanne Harris. Chocolat tells the story of Vianne Rocher, played by Juliette Binoche, who arrives in the fictional French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes at the beginning of Lent with her six-year-old daughter, Anouk. She opens a small chocolatier and soon, she and her chocolate influence the lives of the townspeople of this repressed French community in different and interesting ways.
Thursday, March 6, 6pm
Agreeing to Disagree: How Jews and Christians Interpret the Same Scriptures Differently
Asylum Hill Congregational Church is honored to partner with Hartford International University to present this program led by renowned scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine. All are welcome to this program where Dr. Levine will offer a talk on the sometimes divergent ways that Jews and Christians interpret shared Bible passages, including the “suffering servant” in Isaiah, the Garden of Eden, Psalm 22, the role of the Law, and more. Register here.
Wednesdays, March 12 thru April 16, 5:45pm
Bonhoeffer Lenten Study & Supper
Join us for a six-week Lenten program exploring the extraordinary life and teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The program will offer a deep dive into the legacy of this courageous Lutheran pastor, theologian, and modern-day martyr.
The series is facilitated by AHCC member Jim Robertson, an ordained UCC minister and lawyer who has studied Bonhoeffer’s work extensively. Supper – 5:45 followed by discussion. Register here.
Worship Services:
Ash Wednesday – March 5, 7pm, Rev. Jordan Bucey preaching
All are welcome as we mark the beginning of Lent, the season of preparation leading us to Easter. Ash Wednesday acknowledges and emphasizes that we have come from dust and will return to dust someday. This truth is the great connector for all of humanity. So, we gather each year on Ash Wednesday to remember our mortality in community and look forward to Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death at the end of Lent. This contemplative service will include communion, music and the imposition of ashes. In-person and livestream.
Lent 1 – March 9, Rev. Erica Thompson preaching. Dining With the Enemy — Luke 5:27-32
Do you know any “enemies” that need Jesus right now?
Lent 2 – March 16, Rev. Jordan Bucey preaching. The Uninvited Guest — Luke 7:36-50
Could an unexpected guest in your life be an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus?
Lent 3 – March 23, Rev. Lara Franklin preaching. Feeding the Hungry — Luke 9:10-17
Is there someone around you right now who is hungry or thirsty?
Lent 4 – March 30, Rev. Erica Thompson preaching. Stop to Smell the Roses — Luke 10:38-42
Are you too busy to spend time with people?
Lent 5 – April 6, Rev. Erica Thompson preaching. Wash What Matters — Luke 11:37-53
What in your heart needs to be cleansed to receive all kinds of people?
Palm Sunday – April 13, 10am
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds gathered on either side of the road. As he passed, people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna – blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” Palm Sunday is an opportunity for us to worship together in a festive atmosphere even as we prepare our lives and hearts for the sharp contrast that lies ahead. Rev. Jordan Bucey leads the service.
Maundy Thursday – April 17, 5:30pm
Remembering Jesus’ final meal with his disciples and his new commandment: “You shall love one another as I have loved you.” We will begin with a light dinner and end with a contemplative walk through the labyrinth.
Good Friday – April 18, 7pm
Our traditional Good Friday service will feature the “Stabat Mater” by Welsh composer, Paul Mealor, performed by the AHCC Sanctuary Choir and strings, as well as the hauntingly beautiful “Adagio for Strings,” by American composer, Samuel Barber.
The 13th century Stabat Mater text (“The mournful mother was standing”), is a powerful meditation upon the sufferings of Mary during the crucifixion of her son. As he hangs, dying on the cross, she shares his agony and his pain. However, the poem is also an offering of hope that through the sacrifice of Christ, we may all be free of suffering. The 24-minute setting is divided into four sections, that are performed without a break.
Sunday, April 20, 5:45am Easter Sunrise, Elizabeth Park Overlook (corner of Prospect and Asylum Avenue) – Scripture says that on the third day a group of women arrived at the tomb while it was still dark. Celebrating the resurrection of Christ we gather to watch the sunrise over the horizon and proclaim the Good News of that indeed, He Lives!
Sunday, April 20, 10am, Easter Worship – All are welcome to this celebratory worship service in our historic sanctuary, where the symbols of death are cast aside and the light of the resurrection shines forth in hymns of praise, words of hope, and fabulous music. Rev. Erica Thompson preaching.
Following worship, all are invited to have their photo taken by the Easter cross and receive a copy to download later that same day!