A Note
From Pastor Mark
Lent has a way of slowing us down. In a world that constantly pushes us to improve, achieve, and prove ourselves, Lent invites something different: honesty, reflection…and grace.
This year at Shepherd of the Prairie, our Lenten journey is rooted in Paul’s letter to the Romans and a simple, powerful truth: God’s love is not held back.
It is not rationed.
It is not earned.
It is outpoured in Christ.
Again, and again, Romans reminds us that God doesn’t wait for us to get our lives together. God meets us right where we are—with mercy that saves, grace that frees, and love that never lets go.
Each week we will follow how this love moves: from promise to cross, from forgiveness to freedom, from mercy to transformed living. Using the Augsburg/Fortress Love Outpoured devotional as our companion, we’ll discover how God’s love shapes not only what we believe, but how we live.
Our Dinner Church Weekly Journey each week from 6-7 pm.
Wednesday, February 25 – Love Promised: Grace Before We Are Ready, Romans 1:16–17; 3:21–24
We begin with good news that overturns expectations: righteousness is a gift, not a reward. Lent doesn’t start with self-improvement—it starts with grace.
Invitation: Release the belief that God’s love must be earned.
Wednesday, March 4 – Love Justified: Mercy That Makes Us New – Romans 5:1–11
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love meets us at our worst, not our best. The cross reveals mercy poured out for all.
Invitation: Trust that nothing in your past disqualifies you from God’s love.es, honest in confession, and grounded in grace. It is a quiet, meaningful service of prayer, scripture, and Holy Communion as we begin the season of Love Outpoured together.
Wednesday, March 11 – Love Set Free: No Condemnation – Romans 8:1–11
“There is therefore now no condemnation.” God’s love doesn’t just forgive—it liberates. The Spirit breaks chains of fear and shame and leads us into new life.
Invitation: Name what still binds you—and receive God’s freeing love.
Wednesday, March 18 – Love Enduring: Nothing Can Separate Us – Romans 8:31–39
Life can be hard and faith doesn’t deny that. Yet Paul proclaims a promise stronger than suffering: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
Invitation: Rest in the assurance that you are held, no matter what.
Wednesday, March 25 – Love Outpoured: Living Sacrifices – Romans 12:1–2, 9–13
After grace comes transformation. Love received becomes love lived. Our everyday lives become offerings of mercy in the world.
Invitation: Go forth as vessels of God’s outpoured love.
Holy Week
As we gather on Maundy Thursday (April 2) for the Living Last Supper and stand at the cross on Good Friday (April 3), we return to Romans 5:8:
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Here we see love fully poured out—for the life of the world.
A Thread Through the Season
Each week we will return to this refrain:
God’s love is not held back.
It is promised, justified, freeing, enduring—
and outpoured for you.
Wherever this season finds you—steady or struggling, confident or weary—there is a place for you here. Come walk this Lenten road with us. Come receive again the love that never runs dry.
We hope you’ll join us
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Mark
Contact Pastor Mark at: pastormark@sotpmail.com