YOU’RE INVITED TO

Experience Lent

AT VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH

You and your whole family are invited to experience Lent this year at Victory Lutheran Church!

Come and join us for this time of connection with God, self-examination, and devotion. 
From Ash Wednesday, Midweek Lenten Services, to studies and devotionals, we offer multiple options for you to attend in person or watch online. We’d love to have you visit us and share this profound moments with us. Whether you’ve been a churchgoer your whole life, or you’re just starting out on your faith journey, we created an Lenten experience just for you!

What is Lent
All About?

Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts approximately six weeks, leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a period of reflection, penance, and spiritual renewal for believers. Traditionally, Lent is marked by fasting, prayer, self-examination, and acts of charity, as Christians prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This time is seen as an opportunity for personal and communal growth, a chance to deepen one’s faith, and a period for Christians to embody the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus in their daily lives. The practices of Lent vary among different Christian denominations, but its essence focuses on introspection, repentance, and devotion.

What do the
40 days mean?

This period symbolically reflects the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, according to the New Testament, where he endured temptation by Satan. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. However, when calculating the length, Sundays are not included in the count. This exclusion of Sundays is because each Sunday represents a “mini-Easter,” a day of Christ’s resurrection and joy, which contrasts with the penitential nature of Lent. Therefore, while the period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday covers more than 40 calendar days, the actual number of days during Lent is 40.

Ash Wednesday?
What is that?

This day is characterized by the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of believers, usually in the shape of a cross. These ashes, often made from the burnt palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, serve as a reminder of human mortality and a symbol of repentance before God. The words, ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,’ are spoken during the ceremony, echoing Genesis 3:19. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence, solemn reflection and penitence, initiating the 40-day period of Lent that leads up to Easter. It invites Christians to begin their journey of spiritual introspection and renewal, focusing on prayer, self-denial, and charitable actions, as they prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Times and Location

  • Ash Wednesday

    February 14 @ 4pm & 6pm

  • Lenten Services

    Every Wednesday @ 4pm
    From Feb 21 - Mar 27
    Soup Supper after every service

  • Easter Experience Study

    Every Monday @ 9:30am and 5:30pm
    From Feb 19 - Mar 25

  • Victory Lutheran Church

    5946 E. University Dr.
    Mesa, AZ 85205

    (480) 830-5024
    hello@victorylutheran.com

    www.victorylutheran.com

What to Expect?

Arriving at Victory Lutheran Church

When you arrive at Victory Lutheran Church, you will find an ample parking lot and will be able to easily find a spot. When you enter the building, there will be greeters at the door helping you to find your way to the sanctuary. Once you enter the main service area, feel free to sit wherever you’d like.

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Services

We offer two services for Ash Wednesday on February 14th, one at 4 pm and the other at 6 pm. Then, from February 21st through March 27th, we continue every Wednesday with Lenten Services at 4 pm, followed by a delicious Soup Supper in the Fellowship Hall.

The church services begin with a beautiful prelude that helps set our hearts in the mood for worship. After a warm welcome, we sing hymns accompanied by our organ. As the words of the songs are shown on large screens, feel free to participate as you feel comfortable.

One of our pastors shares a short, impactful, and thought-provoking biblical message. During the Ash Wednesday service, we participate in the most solemn segment: the ceremony of the ashes. Attendees are invited to approach one of the stations, where ministers apply ashes in the shape of a cross on each person’s forehead. This act is accompanied by words such as ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,’ emphasizing the themes of mortality, humility, and repentance. It is a time for reflection, self-examination, and spiritual renewal. Participating in this segment of the service is not mandatory, but you will certainly be blessed if you choose to do so.

The Easter Experience Study (Free)

Mondays from February 19 – March 25; offered at 9:30am and 5:30pm

Enhance your Lenten experience join us for this study series! Paint yourself into the story and transform Easter into a truly life-changing experience. Once you experience the story of Easter, absolutely everything in life changes. This unique study brings the passion and resurrection of Jesus to life through dramatic storytelling and challenging teaching. It consists of six-sessions that bring the passion and resurrection of Jesus to life through dramatic storytelling and challenging teaching done in a highly cinematic style. Study Guides and table discussions will help you grow spiritually, bonding with others at Victory as well as with the eternal message of Christ’s passion culminating with Easter.

Join us and enjoy light breakfast or light dinner before each session!

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, you will learn that:

  • My Life Has A Purpose
  • My Life Can Change
  • My Pain Is Understood
  • My Life Has A Plan
  • I Have the Promise of Eternal Life
  • I have A Hope That Never Dies

    BONUS: Special Easter Vigil Saturday, March 30 at 9:00 AM

Can I watch it Online?

Absolutely!

You can join us live online every Wednesday at 4pm from February 14 – March 27 (which includes Ash Wednesday), or on demand any time, any day after each service. 

Want more? Watch our Sunday services live online every Sunday at 9:30am or on demand at any day or time. 

If you’re seeking deeper meaning this Lent or looking for a way to deepen your spiritual journey during this reflective season, we believe you’ll find what you’re searching for at our Lenten services. It won’t be the same without you, so we truly hope you’ll attend.

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GriefShare

The GriefShare Program is a 13-week series of videos that we watch each week of the meeting. Each weekly GriefShare group begins with a 30-minute video featuring respected experts on grief-related topics and helpful stories from people who have experienced loss. Their insights will help you manage your emotions, gain clarity, and find answers to your questions as you walk through the grief process. We welcome everyone who has a loss; whether it be a child or a parent or spouse.

The videos are followed by discussion. Talking with other people who understand what you’re experiencing brings great comfort, normalizes the grief experience, and offers a supportive environment to work through your grief.

Each session stands alone, so you can join anytime. Consider a single session to learn about the program.

We meet every Monday from 12:30-2:30pm here at Victory.
Check out the schedule.

Sign up today!

Do you have more questions? 
Don’t hesitate to reach us out at (480) 830-5024, or message us filling the form below.
Learn more about GriefShare at their webpage: www.griefshare.org.

Victory Quilters

We meet the 3rd Tuesday and Wednesday of the month at 8:30am. Come when you can, stay as long as you can; everyone can cut, sew, pin and tie knots. You do not need to be a church or circle member to attend. Bring a friend! The quilts are donated to Navajo Lutheran Mission, Orchard: Africa and Lutheran Social Ministries. We typically break for the summer. Please check schedule.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

Stephen Ministers are trained by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders using resources from Stephen Ministries St. Louis. The training they receive in the congregation equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting.

Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister.

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis for about an hour to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)

ORCHARD: AFRICA

To equip the church to respond to poverty & injustice, thereby caring for the vulnerable using four programs: Food & Agriculture, Care, Education and Ministry.  (orchardafrica.org)

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

A “shoebox ministry” of Samaritan’s Purse, delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to boys and girls around the world.

FAIR TRADE

Victory Women support Lutheran World Relief (lwr.org) by selling Fair Trade hand-made crafts, jewelry, coffee and tea that generates income for small-scale businesses in third world countries. 

NAVAJO LUTHERAN MISSION

Serving the Navajo community of Rock Point, AZ, a remote, isolated village near the Four Corners. The Mission campus includes a K-2 private Christian school, clinic, cultural center, water project and food bank.  (nelm.org)

MUSIC MINISTRY

Ensembles at Victory practice weekly during the high season to prepare for weekly worship and special events. In addition, many people share their talents individually. Click here for our concert line-up!

LSS-SW

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW)

I-HELP PROGRAM: We provide a safe and secure place for women who are currently experiencing homelessness the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month.

FOOD PANTRY: Food boxes distributed Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00-11:30am.
Utility & rental assistance by appointment only 480-654-4539.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study.

Summer Schedule (May-Sept): 2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30am

Winter Schedule (Oct-April): 2nd Tuesday of the month

Esperanza Bible Study – 9:30am

Mary Bible Study – 1:30pm (in home)


GRIEFSHARE

A grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.

13-week Program: Mondays, 12:30-2:30pm, February 13-May 8, 2023
(No meeting April 10th)
GriefShare.org

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life. 

FAMILY PROMISE

Four times a year we host families experiencing homelessness at Victory for a week at a time. Volunteers needed to set up rooms, preparing a meal, serve/clean-up dinner or stay as an overnight host.

Upcoming Host Weeks: April 16-23, 2023 & November 112-19, 2023

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

Stephen Ministers are trained by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders using resources from Stephen Ministries St. Louis. The training they receive in the congregation equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting.

Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister.

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis for about an hour to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)

Women’s Ministry

PURPOSE STATEMENT

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts,  support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study:

Summer Schedule (May-Sept)

2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30 am.

Winter Schedule (Oct-April)

  • 2nd Tuesday of the month
  • Esperanza Bible Study - 9:30am
  • Naomi Bible Study - 2:00 pm
  • Mary Bible Study - 1:30 pm (in-home)
  • Women’s Ministry

    PURPOSE STATEMENT

    As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts,  support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

    We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study:

    Summer Schedule (May-Sept)

    2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30 am.

    Winter Schedule (Oct-April)

  • 2nd Tuesday of the month
  • Esperanza Bible Study - 9:30am
  • Naomi Bible Study - 2:00 pm
  • Mary Bible Study - 1:30 pm (in-home)
  • WOMEN’S MINISTRY

    Welcome to the vibrant women’s ministry at Victory Lutheran Church! As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are committed to growing in faith, affirming our gifts, and supporting one another in our callings. Our purpose is to engage in ministry and action, promoting healing and wholeness in the church, society, and the world. At Victory Lutheran Church, our women’s ministry provides a nurturing and empowering space for women of all ages to connect, grow, and serve together. Through uplifting worship, inspiring Bible studies, enriching events, and impactful service opportunities, we equip women to live out their God-given purpose and embrace their unique gifts. Join us as we journey together, fostering fellowship, spiritual growth, and making a lasting impact within our church, our families, and our wider community.

    PURPOSE STATEMENT

    As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ,  and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts,  support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

    We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study:

    Summer Schedule (May-Sept)

    2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30am.

    Winter Schedule (Oct-April)

    • 2nd Tuesday of the month
    • Esperanza Bible Study – 9:30am
    • Naomi Bible Study – 2:00pm
    • Mary Bible Study – 1:30pm (in home)