What is Lent?

The season of Lent is the time of preparation for Holy Week and Easter.

Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter. (Sundays are not included in the count.) The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ – his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection.

Lent lasts forty days because Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days of fasting, meditation, and reflection before beginning his ministry. We are encouraged to use this time for spiritual growth. Will you join us?

Lent Begins February 18th

Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 PM
Our 2026 journey into Lent begins on February 18th, at 7:30 p.m., with our traditional Ash Wednesday Service,
celebrated in partnership with our sister church, Bethel AME.
(In Person & Live Stream)

All Church Lenten Book & Preaching: The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker

From SuperSummary.com, “Set in a small German town in 1942 during the Second World War, “The Ragged Edge of Night” is a historical novel that tells the epic tale of Anton Starzmann, a priest turned husband and father who eventually becomes a leader in the German resistance movement against Nazism. Along the way, he finds hope and purpose amid some of the darkest days of the 20th century.”

Copies are available for $10 in the church office and at Sunday coffee hour. Sunday classes will be held after church, at 11:30 am in person and on Zoom on Sundays: 2/22; 3/1; 3/15; 3/29.

JOIN US FOR THESE ACTIVITIES

Sunday Preaching Series

Beginning February 22nd

Sunday Sermon Series at 10:00 AM (EST)
In Person & Live Stream

Join Pastor John for a five-week preaching and teaching book study and worship series for Lent. Our book this year is “The Ragged Edge of Night,” a 2018 book by the author Olivia Hawker, based in part on actual historic events.

Lenten Book Discussion Times:

February 22nd
March 1st, March 15th, March 29th

Meets in the church conference room on Sundays after service.
(Participation by Zoom available)

Wednesday Morning Book Discussion
Join us on Wednesdays at 9:30 am via Zoom

Powell Fund for the Creative Word

Sunday, March 22nd—Dennis L. Slaughter visits Pilgrim Church—The Enduring Power of Spirituals

Speaker: Discover the history, meaning, and power of spirituals through music, stories, and congregational singing. “Spirituals represent not only a cornerstone of African American heritage but also a central thread in the broader tapestry of American religious and cultural life. Please sign up for the workshop and luncheon.

Schedule:
10:00 AM Service
11:30 AM – Luncheon
12:00 PM – Workshop

The First Easter Story

Storytelling & Crafts for Children and Young Families
Friday, March 27th at 4 PM
Join us and bring a friend to hear the Story of Easter! What are some symbols of Easter (eggs, lilies, sunrise), and what do they mean? At this low-key and fun gathering, we will also have an Easter Egg Hunt, make Easter crafts, and enjoy an Easter-themed snack. No need to RSVP!

Contact: Victoria Gaisford, Director of Christian Education
email: education@pilgrimsherborn.org

WE DO GODLY PLAY! – Every Sunday during worship (except holiday weekends)

Pilgrim Church Sunday School welcomes children to hear and play with sacred stories from the Christian tradition. During this Lenten Season, children will learn about Jesus’ Parables and the Sermon on the Mount. New children are always welcome! Nursery Care is also offered during the service.

Holy Week 2026

March 29th – Palm Sunday

10 AM – Pilgrim Church, Sherborn
Worship Service In-Person and Streaming
Welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem

April 2nd – Maundy Thursday

7:00 PM – Commemorating Seven Last Words of Christ – Bethel AME, Boston
Join us as we travel to Boston for a joint Worship with Bethel AME, also Streamed Online. Pastor John Hudson and Dir. of Christian Education Victoria Gaisford will be assisting in the Bethel Service.

Join us there or carpool from church, Meet at 6 pm in our church Parking lot to carpool.

Please RSVP to ministries@pilgrimsherborn.org if you need a ride – all welcome!

Watch the Service on Thursday: https://www.bethelame.org/watch

April 3rd – Good Friday

7:30 PM – Pilgrim Church, Sherborn
A remembrance of Christ’s passion in word, music, and imagery
(Service Live and Streaming)

April 4th – Holy Saturday (Evening Prayer Vigil)

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Pilgrim Church, Sherborn
Prayer Vigil:

Help us keep watch in the Sanctuary on Saturday, Apri 19th, as we await the resurrection of Christ this Holy Season. Spend time in silent prayer together.  There will be simple readings and prayers available. Multiple groups are welcome for each time slot.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up for a 1/2 hour.

April 5th

Easter Sunday

6:00 AM
Sunrise Service at Farm Pond, Sherborn (In-person only)

10:00 AM
Traditional Easter Service (Live in the Sanctuary and Streaming)