LENT/EASTER Season
Big Idea
How does the structure of Spring Church serve, promote, and foster the mission of Spring Church?
For every liturgical season in the church calendar, we focus on one particular “Big Idea” that helps us embody the Story of what God is already doing in our neighborhood.
In both our common table gatherings and Heading North Small Group we explore questions around the “Big Idea” through scripture, through encountering the Holy Spirit together, and through celebrating the sacraments together.
This Big Idea for Lent & the Easter Season 2024 is:
God is for us
In this graphic, lament happens in an ordinary place: a kitchen table. There are three seats at the table to indicate that we do not lament alone. In this everyday scene, we can imagine what a home may look and feel like after a loved one has passed. There is a sympathy card on the table. The home is dark and sadness lingers. The only light is coming from the window casting dark shadows on the table and backlighting the mostly dead flowers. God’s word is open to the Psalms on the table. There is an invitation to imagine yourself sitting at the table, weeping with others in this space, and crying out to God. But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high (Psalm 3) The one vibrant flower represents the life that comes out of death. But we must face death (actually taking a seat at this table) to experience a way through the broken places. Romans 12: 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
—Jessie Bloss
In this graphic, death and significant loss are depicted through animal bones. Together, we cry out to God in the midst of our desolate places (as represented by the desert imagery and the orientation of the butterfly hanging on to new life). We wait on the Lord. “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Psalm 3) This hope is represented by the butterfly within the skeleton situated in the light while in the middle of a desolate place. The chrysalis represents both that we do not lament alone and that there is transformation happening amid desolation. God’s presence is represented by butterflies guiding through death into life. Additionally, there are flowers growing out of dry ground and green meadows on the horizon serving as reminders that we do not suffer forever. “The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good.” (1 Peter 5:10) Yet, to fully experience the depth and breadth of Christ’s love for us, we must be willing to follow him through the valley(s) of the shadows of death by lamenting. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
—Jessie Bloss
Questions about the Big Idea? Pastor Matt would love to hear from you! Click here to send him a message.
Past Big Ideas
Advent Big Idea 2023: God is with us
