Join us in Loving and Serving
Lent @ CtK
This Lent, CtK is once again joining with several community partners in an effort to serve those who are hungry, thirsty, unknown (a stranger), poor, sick, and imprisoned.
This effort—which we’re calling the Matthew 25 Project—offers many ways to explore the issues named in this well-known Scripture reading. There are opportunities to understand more fully with one’s mind, to experience more deeply with one’s heart, and to serve in some small way with one’s hands.
The following sections describe all of the Matthew 25 Project events in detail. For your convenience, we’ve organized the events into four broad focus areas: Worship, Giving, Service, and Arts and Awareness. A full calendar of events can be found at the bottom of the page.
To access this information in convenient booklet form, click here. Copies of the booklet are also available in the narthex.
Worship Opportunities
Each Sunday in Lent + 8:15 am, 9:30 am, and 11:15 am
Throughout Lent, Sunday worship services will be held at their regular times: 8:15 am (traditional), 9:30 am (contemporary), and 11:15 am (traditional).
Wednesdays from February 21 through March 20 + 7:00–7:25 pm
Join us on Wednesdays at 7 pm for this brief musical service, to be held following “Soup & Art.”
Sunday, March 24 + 8:15 am, 9:30 am, and 11:15 am
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, with services held at 8:15, 9:30, and 11:15 am. All three services will include a processional with palm branches.
Thursday, March 28 + 7 pm
Join us in the sanctuary for this traditional service commemorating the Last Supper.
Friday, March 29 + 7 pm
Reflect on Jesus’ final hours at this meaningful service. This year’s service will feature a dramatic reading of the Passion story from the Gospel of John.
Saturday, March 30 + 7 pm
Join us for this traditional service in which we remember Christ’s sacrifice and await his Easter resurrection.
Sunday, March 31 + 8:15 am, 9:30 am, and 11:15 am
Join us at 8:15, 9:30, or 11:15 am to celebrate this most joyful day in the church year!
Giving Opportunities
Sunday, February 18 + Sunday, February 25
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, CtK is providing Easter baskets for approximately 200 children at LaSalle Park Homes, El Campito, and Hope for the Hungry. Bring in items to fill the baskets or make a monetary donation to help bring joy to children in our community. Shopping lists and collection boxes will be available in the narthex on Sunday and throughout the week
Sunday, March 3 + Sunday, March 10
All are encouraged to bring in product donations for the Spring Break Food Pack initiative conducted in conjunction with Clay Food Pantry. You may also make a monetary donation to purchase gift cards given to the families to buy milk and eggs. Shopping lists and collection boxes will be available in the narthex on Sunday and throughout the week.
Sunday, March 17 + Sunday, March 24
Bring in toiletries for people in need throughout our community. Requested items include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products. You may also make a monetary donation toward the purchase of these items. Toiletries will be distributed to several local organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, St. Margaret’s House, and Clay Food Pantry.
February 18 through March 17
Donate full-sized packages of deodorant that will be put in welcome kits for individuals served by the Center for the Homeless, Dismas House, Hope Ministries, Our Lady of the Road, St. Margaret’s House, Upper Room Recovery Community, and YWCA. A collection box will be available in the narthex from Sunday, February 18, through Sunday, March 17.
Wednesdays from February 21 through March 20
Help feed attendees at our Wednesday “Soup & Art” discussion series by bringing in soup, bread, and/or cookies. Cook or bake at home (or make a stop at the grocery store), then drop off your culinary creations in Van Oort Hall by 5:30 pm each Wednesday. Sign up in the narthex to reserve your date.
Service Opportunities
Wednesdays from February 21 through March 20
Help make “Soup & Art” a success! Volunteers are needed to set up, serve soup, and/or clean up after the meal. Setup begins at 5:30 pm, and cleanup occurs after the conclusion of Holden Evening Prayer in the sanctuary (around 7:20 pm). If you would like to help, look for the signup sheet in the narthex.
Sunday, February 18 + Sunday, March 3 + Sunday, March 17
10:30–11:10 am + Van Oort Hall
Stop by Van Oort Hall during the Sunday school time to learn more about CtK’s Senior Suds laundry ministry and help make meals for Senior Suds guests. All are welcome to join us on February 18, while our middle school students will make lunches on March 3 and our high school students will make lunches on March 17.
Tuesday, February 20 + Tuesday, March 5 + Tuesday, March 19
1:45–5 pm + Burton’s Laundromat + 3706 W. Western Ave., South Bend
CtK has partnered with Clay Food Pantry, the St. Joseph County Health Department, and Burton’s Laundromat to host Senior Suds, a program that offers free laundry services for seniors every other Tuesday. While seniors are washing their clothes, they are able to order groceries from Clay Food Pantry, talk with staff from Oak Street Health, and receive a meal. Volunteers are needed at the laundromat each Senior Suds day to connect with guests and distribute the prepared meals. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
Sunday, February 25
10:30–11:10 am + Van Oort Hall
People of all ages are invited to Van Oort Hall to help sort Easter basket donations and/or assemble fun surprises that will be included in each basket.
Tuesday, February 27 + Tuesday, March 26
6–7:30 pm + Dismas House + 521 S. St. Joseph St., South Bend
Make and take a meal to Dismas House, then stay and eat in fellowship with the residents, who are working toward independent living after jail or prison. Sign up in the narthex.
Sunday, March 10
10:30–11:10 am + Van Oort Hall
Millions of Ugandans suffer from a crippling parasite called jiggers. Jiggers enter the body by burrowing into the feet, so the best way to prevent infestation is by wearing sturdy shoes. Sole Hope is a nonprofit organization that makes shoes out of discarded denim, then distributes these shoes to people throughout Uganda. Join us in Van Oort Hall as we trace pattern pieces and cut our own old denim that will be sent to Sole Hope. Please bring in your old jeans and/or a pair of fabric scissors!
Thursday, March 14 + 6–8 pm
Cultivate Food Rescue + 1403 Prairie Ave., South Bend
Come to Cultivate to package meals for kids in need throughout the region. This is a collaborative effort with volunteers from several different churches and community organizations. Reserve your space today at this link.
Saturday, March 23
9 am + Clay Church Firehouse Campus
Join us at the Clay Church Firehouse Campus to help sort and repackage donations for the Spring Break Food Packs project. Sign up online at claychurch.com/events.
Monday, March 25
9 am + Clay Church Firehouse Campus
Come to the Clay Church Firehouse Campus to help deliver filled Spring Break Food Packs to distribution sites around the community. Sign up online at claychurch.com/events.
Sunday, March 31
8 am + Van Oort Hall
CtK’s musicians and worship volunteers dedicate their Easter morning to making our services beautiful. Let’s show our appreciation by supplying breakfast for the musicians and Easter volunteers. Please sign up here to bring one or more breakfast items. All items should be delivered to the kitchen on Saturday, March 30, or dropped off hot and ready to serve by 9 am on Sunday, March 31. If you would like to help set up the food on Sunday morning, please come to Van Oort Hall by 8 am.
Arts and Awareness Opportunities
Wednesdays from February 21 through March 20 + 6–7 pm
Van Oort Hall
Every Wednesday evening from February 21 through March 20, CtK will host “Soup & Art.” We’ll gather at 6 pm for a simple meal of soup and bread, then view and discuss a piece of art housed at the new Raclin Murphy Museum of Art on Notre Dame’s campus. From photography to sculpture to painting, each stand-alone session will be accessible to all (even those who don’t like museums and prefer paint by number) and will focus on how the piece might inform your journey through Lent.
Mondays from February 19 through March 25 + 6 pm
St. Joseph County Public Library Auditorium + 304 S. Main St., South Bend
Join us for a series of films addressing community issues. Movies will be screened on five consecutive Mondays, starting at 6 pm. Each film will be followed by discussion with local nonprofit leaders and community advocates. This series is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church in cooperation with Notre Dame’s Browning Cinema and Department of Film, Television, and Theater.
Dates and films are as follows:
- February 19: Eighth Grade (2018)
- February 26: Sidewalk Stories (1989)
- March 4: Women Talking (2022)
- March 11: Pariah (2011)
- March 18: Roma (2018)
- March 25: How to Die in Oregon (2011)
Thursday, February 22 + 5:30–7:30 pm
Saturday, February 24 + 1–3 pm
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art + University of Notre Dame
Explore the parable through conversations about works of art and personal reflection in the galleries. This event is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of South Bend and will be held twice: on Thursday, February 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and again on Saturday, February 24, from 1 to 3 pm.
Three Tuesdays: February 27, March 12, and March 26 + 1:30–3 pm
First Presbyterian Church + 333 W. Colfax Ave., South Bend
Work with artist Lee Bauman to explore watercolor techniques and create works filled with hope, inspiration, and positivity. This class meets three times; attendees should attend all three sessions. Class size is limited so each student will receive individual attention. There is a small participation fee that includes all necessary materials. To reserve your space, contact First Presbyterian Church at (574) 234-4159 or info@fpcsouthbend.org.
Thursday, February 29 + 6 pm
OneRoof Southeast Neighborhood Center + 405 E. Dubail Ave., South Bend
Local author Katherine Higgs-Coulthard wrote a young adult novel called Junkyard Dogs, which takes place in South Bend. The book tells the story of Josh, an unhoused teenager struggling to survive amidst poverty, hunger, crime, and family issues. Join the author for a discussion about her book and how we can help kids like Josh right here in our community.
Saturday, March 2 + 10 am–2 pm
St. Joseph County Public Library Ballroom + 304 S. Main St., South Bend
Join the United Religious Community (URC) team for this community awareness event exploring the refugee experience—including what it’s really like to resettle in St. Joseph County. Find out ways you can help our newest neighbors navigate life in our community while maintaining their cultural identity.
Sunday, March 3 + 6–8 pm
South Bend City Church + 635 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend
Young people are invited to join local author Katherine Higgs-Coulthard for a discussion of her novel Junkyard Dogs, which tells the story of an unhoused teenager in South Bend. In addition to talking about the book, participants will have real conversations about how poverty and homelessness affect kids in our community and what we can do about it.
Thursday, March 7 + 10 am–4 pm
IUSB Fireside Room + 1700 E. Mishawaka Ave., South Bend
Stop by IUSB to celebrate International Women’s Day and learn about ways to help women across the globe. Enjoy presentations by nonprofits dedicated to women’s empowerment; buy fair-trade goods made by women artisans; participate in service projects to help girls in Malawi; and donate feminine hygiene supplies for women in need in Michiana.
Saturday, March 9 + 9 am–4 pm
St. Joseph County Public Library Ballroom + 304 S. Main St., South Bend
Join Unity Gardens for this free, fun educational event featuring over 20 free classes, vendor booths, and demonstrations.
Friday, March 15 + 7:30 pm
South Bend Civic Theater + 403 N. Main St., South Bend
Join the South Bend Civic Theater for their production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play The Piano Lesson, which explores themes of family history, grief, and greed through the lens of an African American family in Depression-era Pittsburgh. Purchase tickets by calling the Civic box office or visiting sbct.org.
Friday, March 22 + 9:30 am –12:30 pm
St. Joseph County Public Library Ballroom + 304 S. Main St., South Bend
This event will help you learn how challenging it can be to re-enter society after incarceration. Participants will navigate through the first four weeks of an individual’s journey back into society, including compliance with all requirements of supervised release. Registration is required; visit tinyurl.com/re-entrysim to learn more and sign up.
Sunday, March 24
10:30–11:10 am + Van Oort Hall
People of all ages are invited to Van Oort Hall during the Sunday school period. We’ll learn more about the meaning and symbols of Holy Week through discussion and hands-on activities.
Sunday, March 24 + 3 pm
First Presbyterian Church + 333 W. Colfax Ave., South Bend
Enjoy a variety of hymns and songs exploring what it means to be a neighbor to all. This special event features composer Adam Tice, conductor Jeshua Franklin and the Vesper Chorale, and organist (and CtK member) Jonathan Hehn.
Thursday, April 18 + 5:30 pm
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art + University of Notre Dame
Join Pastor Caroline and others from CtK for a tour of the new Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at Notre Dame. The tour will be led by Emily Normand, a fellow for Religion and Spirituality and the Visual Arts at the museum. Our primary focus will be the pieces discussed at our “Soup & Art” evenings throughout Lent. All are welcome, even if you weren’t able to attend “Soup & Art.”
