everything [in] between | finding God in the midst of extremes
The “everything [in] between” series from a Sanctified Art is an invitation to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Each weekly sub-theme explores two supposed binaries, like “faith & works” or “rest & growth,” or “grief & hope.” We often consider these ideas to be opposing. However, as we explore these concepts within the scriptures, we find nuance and complexity. We find that these dichotomies are false. We might begin to see a full spectrum instead of black and white. We might find that God is present in between.
And so, this season, we invite you to look beyond black and white binaries and easy answers. We encourage you to notice the dichotomies that define our lives, but also imagine where God might be meeting us beyond the categories we create. This theme may resonate with anyone who is in discernment or trying to find their way through an undefined space. It will speak to anyone who feels as if they are living in a divided world. It is for those who seek a spiritual life that engages with complexity instead of avoiding it.
This Lent, we’re trusting that God shows up in shades of gray, rainbow hues, and everywhere in between.
Worship every Sunday at 10 am and April 6 at 4 pm
Lenten Devotional | everything [in] between
This devotional from A Sanctified Art follows the Gospel of Luke as it guides us through this year’s theme, “everything in between.” The devotional offers poems, hymns, artwork and reflections to help us navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed.
Because this is a compilaton from A Sanctified Art, you will need to complete the form linked below to receive the devotional, electronically or on paper. There will be a few copies around church–in the Welcome Centers and in the Prayer Chapel.
Events that you won’t want to miss during Lent and Holy Week at Herndon UMC:
There’s more to come, too. Check back here soon.
Ash Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 pm | Herndon UMC
This Lent, we are letting the Gospel of Luke guide us. On this Ash Wednesday, we join Jesus as he “sets his face toward Jerusalem.” Over the next 15 chapters and 7 weeks, we will study stories and parables from Jesus’ final chapter in ministry. As Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, he is approached by people from local towns who promise to follow him. Jesus’ response is harsh, but urgent. He needs real commitment. He needs disciples who are willing to be rejected and persecuted—and who will embody hope, compassion, and peace along the way. It becomes apparent that these potential disciples aren’t quite ready for the task at hand.
And so, as Lent begins, let us also ask ourselves: are we ready? Are we willing to be transformed? Will our actions reflect our best intentions?
Ashes will be available from noon to 1 pm in the Herndon UMC Prayer Chapel (for application or for pick up for later). The Ash Wednesday worship will be held at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome in person and on YouTube.
Friday-Saturday, March 7-8 | Claggett Center
Men’s Retreat
All men are welcome! The retreat starts around 5 pm on Friday and we usually leave around 2 pm on Saturday to drive home. This year’s retreat will be led by Rev. Larry Buxton and Chris Simon (for music). Pastor Larry will be presenting insights from his book “30 Days with King David: on Leadership” as well as providing us with thought-provoking questions for discussions in small breakout groups. (Find Larry’s Book on Amazon.)
Space is limited. Reserve your spot today! The fee to attend the retreat is $120 per person for lodging and meals. Reserve a spot by email to Jim Henderson at mensevents@herndonumc.org. If you are a “Yes” of “Maybe” to attend the retreat, please let me know at your earliest convenience but before February 24.
Feel free to invite a friend to attend the retreat with you. The retreats are always a time of fellowship and fun with this chance to gather as men on our faith walks. We look forward to seeing you at our annual Herndon UMC Men’s Retreat!
Sunday, March 9 | Herndon UMC
We begin the series with what might be the most tender polarity: stranger and neighbor. There is no denying that we are all keenly aware of the labels, beliefs, and assumptions that make us strangers to one another. The lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” We essentially ask this same question in a million different ways: “Who is in and who is out?” “Who should I align myself with and who should I distance myself from?” “Who can I trust and who should I fear?” Jesus seems less interested in answering who his neighbor is and instead spotlights what a neighbor does.
Worship at 10 am, in the Sanctuary and on YouTube (live or later).
Saturday, March 29 | Herndon UMC
Women’s Spring Retreat
All women are invited to the 2025 Herndon United Women in Faith Spring Retreat. 8:00 am Continental Breakfast and 8:30 am – 1:30 pm program titled, “SENT: Serving God Right Where You Are”
Do you feel like serving God means adding more things to your plate? Do you want to make a difference but wonder how God could use you in this stage of life? Whether at work, at school, on the ballfield, in your neighborhood, or at the gym– what if you could serve God right where you are? Women of all ages are invited to join us at the 2025 Spring United Methodist Women’s Retreat as we ponder and explore together how God is calling you to be part of his mission right where you are, as you are. For, you are SENT.
Register at bit.ly/womensspringretreat2025 for $35 through March 25. After that, you may register at the door for $45. Registration fees include breakfast, lunch, and childcare if requested.
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 13 | Herndon UMC
If you were to press your ear up close to this story, you might begin to hear the shouting—from the disciples, crowds, and even the stones. You might hear the singing, the shuffling of feet, the gentle landing of cloaks on the ground. You might hear some of the Pharisees yelling, begging Jesus to silence the uproar. Amidst all the noise, Jesus remains mostly silent and calm. He states that even the stones will not be silenced, which dampens the Pharisees’ complaints. The soundtrack of this scripture may echo our own Palm Sunday worship, which may typically begin with shouts of loud praise and conclude with silence as the beginning of the Passion story unfolds.
Worship at 10 am, in the Sanctuary and on YouTube (live or later).
Serving and Sharing God’s Love
Through Easter, there are many opportunities to serve and share God’s love in community.
- Food and Love Bags for LINK are available in the Welcome Centers through March 9 when they should be returned with food to be donated to the LINK pantry. The bags will become available again on Palm/Passion Sunday.
- Temporary Overnight Shelter Dinners are scheduled for March 16 and 30.
- The Worship and Fellowship Dinner on March 19 will include dinner sponsored by the Herndon UMC Preschool ministry as a fundraiser for the Preschool Scholarship Fund.
Right after Easter,
- The Wednesday after Easter, on April 23, the Worship and Fellowship Dinner will be a fundraiser for Health Kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
- The Saturday after Easter, on April 26, join the team from 8 am to 3 pm working to help repair the home of a neighbor in need on Herndon UMC’s National Rebuilding Day project with our local chapter of Rebuilding Together.