Owen Sound First Christian Reformed Church

Welcome to First Christian Reformed Church - Owen Sound

Everyone is welcome to join us in worship on Sunday Mornings at 10 a.m.

All our services are livestreamed and you are welcome to join us: Livestream

"A Table in the Wilderness" - Lent 2023

During the season of Lent, Christians all over the world reflect on the great mystery of Jesus’ suffering with and for the world. Walking a path marked by crosses can be a way to connect with Christ and also to pray honestly about the suffering in the world and in our own lives. There is comfort and power for here and now when prayer includes our bodies.

Lent comes with an especially urgent invitation for us to contemplate and trust God’s promised provision in the deserts of life. We often wonder if God truly can provide. The deep well of Christian faith says yes. Jesus says yes. Over and over, God does spread a table before us in the face of all our greatest fear and suffering.

The stations here at First Christian Reformed Church are unique to our observance of Lent this year. Over the six weeks of Lent and into the Holy Week of Easter, you will be invited to reflect on stories of people who sat at the table God spread before them in the extreme wilderness of their lives.

Take as much time as you need, and use only what is helpful in the materials provided.

When your heart is drawn to God, often no more words are needed.

Consider making a commitment to walk the path each week of Lent as the prayer path grows.

If you come every week, you may want to spend the most time at the newly placed station.

If anything about your time of prayer needs conversation, or if you would like to know more about the cross-shaped way of Christian spirituality, please contact us.

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness and protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. And may he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

We invite you to join us in our Lenten Series:

Week 1: A Table in the Wilderness for Jesus

"Temptation in the Wilderness” Briton Rivière, Public Domain

Week 2: A Table in the Wilderness for Israel

“The Gathering of the Manna” James Jacques Joseph Tissot, Public Domain

Week 3: A Table in the Wilderness for Hagar

“Son of Hagar” Frank Wesley, Public Domain

Week 4: A Table in the Wilderness for Elijah

“Prophet Elijah in the Wilderness” Dieric Bouts, Public Domain

Week 5: A Table in the Wilderness for David

“David fordert von Nabal” Anonymous, Public Domain

Week 6: A Table in the Wilderness for a Hungry Crowd