Welcome to the 2025 Joint Lenten Series

Written By Xavier W. Richardson

by Fr. Terrence Taylor

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8

Beloved in Christ,

It is with great joy that I welcome you to the 2025 Joint Lenten Service Series, our sacred tradition of coming together as one body, one faith, and one people to seek God more deeply in this holy season of Lent. For 57 years, our churches have gathered in worship, reflection, and song—lifting our voices not only in praise but in collective commitment to grow deeper in Christ, with Christ.

And let me tell you, if last week’s service was any indication, we are in for a powerful season!

We opened our Lenten journey with a dynamic, soul-stirring sermon from Fr. Angelo S. Wildgoose, Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Plainfield, NJ. Now, you know a preacher is serious when he not only gives you the Word but leaves you checking your pulse to see if your faith is still alive!

Fr. Wildgoose reminded us that Lent is not a season of loss, but of gain—a time to strip away distractions, step out of our spiritual comfort zones, and move closer to the heart of God. He challenged us to let go of the things that keep us stuck: old mindsets, complacency, and even our own excuses. "If God has called you to it, He will equip you for it!" he declared, shaking the very walls of the church (and waking up a few people in the back who thought they could sneak in a holy nap).

THIS is what Lent is about—renewal, transformation, and rededication. It is about walking alongside Jesus, not just watching from the sidelines. It is about fasting—not just from food, but from fear. About praying—not just with words, but with our whole lives.

So, as we continue this journey together, I invite you to reflect on this:

  • Where is Christ calling you to go deeper?

  • What is He asking you to surrender so that you may be filled?

  • How will you draw nearer to Him, trusting in His promise to draw nearer to you?

Each Sunday evening at 5 PM, we will gather in worship, expecting God to move in mighty ways. If you’ve never been to a JLS service before, let me warn you now: this isn’t a quiet, sit-on-your-hands type of gathering! We worship with our whole selves—our voices, our hands, our feet—because we know what God has brought us through. We know there is a balm in Gilead for every wound, and we know that through Christ, we are more than conquerors.

So bring your Bible, bring your praise, and bring a heart ready to be transformed. Lent is here, and God is calling us deeper.

See you Sunday, family. And bring a friend—don’t be greedy with the Good News!

In Christ,
Fr. Terrence Taylor
2025 JLS Convener

Xavier W. Richardson