Lent at Bangor First

Lenten Worship Series

"Gifts of the Dark Wood"

Guided by Eric Elnes’ book, Gifts of the Dark Wood and inspired by the liturgy of Marcia McFee’s Worship Design Studio, this Lent we’ll reflect on the spiritual awakening and unexpected gifts that can come out of the unsettling times in our lives known famously (or infamously) as "the Dark Wood". 

Though commonly understood as a place to be avoided, the Dark Wood can actually bear blessings. It can be a place of revelation – a place where you discover God – a place where you gain greater clarity about the relationship between you and God, and you and others – a place where you can discern your sense of God’s call for your life – a place of personal and spiritual growth.

Join us on Sundays at 10:30 for worship and 9:15 for small group discussion (see details below) as we explore how the gift s of the Dark Wood can be assets on our journey.

Worship Schedule

February 10: Ash Wednesday at 6 PM

“Where We Find Ourselves”

Matthew 14:22-33

Service with imposition of ashes

February 14: The First Sunday in Lent

“The Gift of Uncertainty”

1 Corinthians 13:11-12

February 21: The Second Sunday in Lent

“The Gift of Emptiness”

Mark 15:22-38

February 28: The Third Sunday in Lent

“The Gift of Being Thunderstruck”

Job 37:1-5

March 6: The Fourth Sunday in Lent

“The Gift of Getting Lost”

Psalm 42; 1 Samuel 3:2-10

March 13: The Fifth Sunday in Lent

“The Gift of Temptation”

2 Corinthians 5:16-19; Luke 4:1-13

March 20: Palm Sunday

“The Gift of Misfits”

Luke 19:29-42a

Small Group Discussion

This DVD discussion series hosted by Rev. Eric Elnes Ph.D (author of Gifts of the Dark Wood) features a special guest each week, with pause points for questions and discussion. While the series stands alone, it is a perfect accompaniment for reading Gifts of the Dark Wood.

February 14—“The Gift of Uncertainty”

Featured guest: Brian McLaren

February 21 – “The Gift of Emptiness”

Featured guest: Chuck Marohnic

February 28 – “The Gift of Being Thunderstruck”

Featured guest: Melvin Bray

March 6 – “The Gift of Getting Lost”

Featured guest: Diana Butler Bass

March 13 – “The Gift of Temptation”

Featured guest: Parker Palmer

March 20 – “The Gift of Misfits”

Featured guest: Lillian Daniel