The conclusion of our Lenten Observations Podcast series with Pastor Suzan Hawkinson shares the significance of the seashell in a biblical context. An ancient Christian symbol, the seashell was used in the first century to mark the graves of those who trusted in Christ. These markings included a shell with three drops of water flowing off it, signifying the person was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the ancient Church Easter was traditionally the celebration of baptizing newly converted Christians. As in baptism, whatever was before is gone and buried. Because Christ lives, we begin anew as Easter people.

The theme for the Lenten season at FPCD is Jesus the God Who Knows My Name.

A free Lenten guide titled A Face-To-Face Lent is available at the Worship page of the Church’s website www.firstpresdf.org

All are welcome at FPCD, please join us at 9:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary or on You Tube for Sunday worship.

Light is used in scripture to describe God and us. The qualities of goodness and hope are often described with reference to light. Light directed through stained glass is used in Christian churches throughout the world to tell biblical stories. This Lenten season we are repurposing glass jars, (something we’d normally toss in our recycling bucket) and transforming them into an object of beauty. Learn how a little tissue paper, some color and a votive candle can add light to your life on episode five of our Lenten Observations Podcast series with Pastor Suzan Hawkinson.

The theme for the Lenten season at FPCD is Jesus the God Who Knows My Name.

A free Lenten guide titled A Face-To-Face Lent is available at the Worship page of the Church’s website www.firstpresdf.org

All are welcome at FPCD, please join us at 9:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary or on You Tube for Sunday worship.

In episode four of Lenten Observations 2023 with Pastor Suzan Hawkinson we examine the religious symbolism of the Stone. In scripture there are numerous references to stone. Jesus refers to himself as the rejected stone, but he becomes the cornerstone of what God is building.  During Easter we will hear about the stone that is rolled away from Jesus’ tomb, signifying God’s resurrection of Christ.

The theme for the Lenten season at FPCD is Jesus the God Who Knows My Name.

A free Lenten guide titled A Face-To-Face Lent is available at the Worship page of the Church’s website www.firstpresdf.org

All are welcome at FPCD, please join us at 9:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary or on You Tube for Sunday worship.

The religious symbolism of the Paperwhite Bulb is covered in this episode. Pastor Suzan Hawkinson guides us through some metaphorical examples of the growth of a common bulb that doesn’t look like much, but transforms itself into the Narcissus, one of the first harbingers of spring.

We’re reminded that growth takes strength, energy and time.

Galatians 5:22-23 is the suggested passage to read in conjunction with this podcast episode.

The theme for the Lenten season at FPCD is Jesus the God Who Knows My Name.

A free Lenten guide titled A Face-To-Face Lent is available at the Worship page of the Church’s website www.firstpresdf.org

Lenten Observations, a series of episodes that address the symbolism and scripture of the season is led by Pastor Suzan Hawkinson. Episode two explores the Dead Branch. Pastor Hawkinson provides context on  (John 15:5) “I am the Vine and you are the branches.” Suzan also addresses a question about the connection of family trees to the branch symbolism.

The theme for the Lenten season at FPCD is Jesus the God Who Knows My Name.

A free Lenten guide titled A Face-To-Face Lent is available at the Worship page of the Church’s website www.firstpresdf.org

All are welcome at FPCD, please join us at 9:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary or on You Tube for Sunday worship.

Lent 2023 is upon us, and the First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield Illinois is launching its new podcast channel with Lenten Observations, a series of episodes that will address the symbolism and scripture of the season. Pastor Suzan Hawkinson is our spiritual guide for the series.

Episode one covers Ashes, Pastor reflects on a verse from Isaiah 61:3 God desires to give us beauty for ashes. She talks about having ashes imposed on us and how they make us look at our frailty and our failures. We also look at the cross which reminds us of Christ’s enormous love for us.

The theme for the Lenten season at FPCD is Jesus the God Who Knows My Name. Pastor Hawkinson shared that the theme occurred to her because, “Jesus lived a human life and he gets us…he knows the limitations of flesh and blood… we’re learning about being a human that loves God.” A Lenten Weekly Devotional is available for free download.

A free Lenten guide titled A Face-To-Face Lent is available at the Worship page of the Church’s website www.firstpresdf.org

All are welcome at FPCD, please join us at 9:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary or on You Tube for Sunday worship.