Lent

2026

Journey to the Cross

What is Lent? Lent is the 40 days of the church calendar leading up to Easter Sunday. Christians reflect on Jesus’ life and sacrifice through prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness. It is a time of spiritual preparation, repentance, and drawing closer to God.

Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18, and weekly leading up to Easter. Wednesday Night activities begin with dinner at 5 p.m., followed by Journey to the Cross, a Lenten service at 6:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Senior Pastor Jim Somerville will explore the theme “Redeeming Salvation,” inviting us to consider salvation not only as heaven and hell, but as God’s ongoing work of healing, freedom, and new life—here and now. 

Worship in person or LIVE on CH 8 each Sunday.

You are invited to join us for any or all the worship services, community events, or seasonal offerings during the Lent season!

Visit our special Lent page HERE for more details.

Worship during Lent

Sermon Series:

“What Does the Lord Require?”

Sundays

  • 8:45 a.m. in the Chapel
  • 11 a.m. in person in the Sanctuary
  • LIVE:  online  and on CH8

Palm Sunday - March 29

  • 8:45 a.m. in the Chapel
  • 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary
  • LIVE on CH 8 and online

Maundy Thursday - April 2

Join us for dinner at 5 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary for a Tenebrae service. The Tenebrae service is a time of reflection on the story of Jesus’ suffering and death, marked by the gradual extinguishing of candles until the church is in darkness. (No Wednesday night service April 1.)

  • 5 p.m. dinner
  • 6:30 p.m. service
  • LIVE here online

Easter - April 5

  • 8:45 a.m. in the Chapel
  • 11 a.m. in person in the Sanctuary
  • LIVE on TV8 and online

Services

February 18-March 25

Journey to the Cross Service in the Sanctuary

Join us each Wednesday leading up to Easter for dinner at 5 p.m., followed by Journey to the Cross, a Lenten service at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. Senior Pastor Jim Somerville will explore the theme “Redeeming Salvation,” inviting us to consider salvation not only as heaven and hell, but as God’s ongoing work of healing, freedom, and new life—here and now. 

February 18

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Many Christians receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross with the words “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). It is a sign of repentance and a reminder that life is short. 

Join us for dinner at 5 p.m. in Flamming Hall  then 6:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary for a service and imposition of ashes.  

March 30-April 4

Monday morning–Saturday morning visit the RFBC Belltower Courtyard to walk the stations of the cross. A long held tradition of the Church, this is a meditative prayer experience to journey with Jesus through his final days. 

Seasonal Offerings

by March 29

Memorial Lily Sales

Order an Easter lily in memory of someone special.

February-long Challenge | Event: March 9

9th Annual City-wide Challenge & Book Read

For nearly a decade now David Bailey and Jim Somerville have invited you to read a book during Black History Month and then join us for a public conversation.

We think it’s time to take it up a notch.

Holy Week

Art Show: Alleluia - Praise the Lord!

Submit art for upcoming exhibit, Alleluia: Praise the Lord! This is an exhibition about beginnings—the quiet, vulnerable moments when something first stirs. And the steady, often unseen work of growth and faith. The exhibit will run from April 5 (Easter Sunday) through June. The deadline to register is March 18.

To participate, contact Dee Dee Simmons at deeds13@hotmail.com 

Youth & Family-Friendly Events

February 18

Ash Wednesday

Children’s Activities 6 p.m.: Kid-friendly learning and response activities for children K-5th grade include a walking labyrinth, Legos, clay creation, and painting (suites 220 and 230).

March 20-22

Disciple Now 2026

Youth will dive into worship, engage in epic games, savor delicious food, serve the community, and enjoy the comfort of host homes.

Featured Events