LaGrave Live, March 1, 2026

LaGrave Live LIVE Morning Worship Service 03-01-2026 Cross Words: Contrition About The concert: March 2 is the second Sunday in the season of Lent and we will continue our Cross Words sermon series, a series which focuses on different aspects of the cross. Pastor Jonker will preach on Psalm 51 Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-3-1-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf About the Church: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178 The March special offering is for Mel Trotter Ministries. Mel Trotter Ministries provides shelter for individuals and families with services including: meals, emergency shelter, transitional housing assistance, case management. Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC The Path of Contrition: A Lenten Service of Reflection and Renewal This document summarizes the Lenten worship service held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, focusing on the spiritual discipline of contrition. The service explores the transition from the weight of human sinfulness to the transformative joy found through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Detailed Points of Reflection The Symbolism of the Cross in Worship The service emphasizes the cross as the central motif of the Lenten season, both theologically and physically. During the children's message, it was noted that the sanctuary contains over 360 crosses—found in the architecture, windows, and light fixtures—serving as a daily reminder for the entire year that Jesus cares for the "hard things" in life. This visual abundance reinforces the message that the atonement is a "full and free" gift for those in affliction. The Presence of the Cross In the LaGrave sanctuary, the cross is integrated into the very fabric of the environment, symbolizing constant support: Reredos & Windows: Visual depictions of the crucifixion. Light Fixtures: 288 crosses embedded in the main lights. Wall Sconces: Additional crosses bringing the total to over 360. "One cross for every day of the year." The Theology of Contrition The sermon defines "contrition" as a "godly sorrow for sin," distinguishing it from mere guilt. Drawing from Psalm 51 and the writings of Robert Roberts, the message argues that contrition is a vital spiritual emotion—akin to joy or peace—that every Christian should cultivate. Unlike secular remedies for unworthiness, such as denial or self-harm, contrition serves as a "remedy" and a "gift" that addresses the deep moral failures of the human heart. The Three Stages of a Contrite Heart Using King David’s confession after his transgressions with Bathsheba as a framework, the service outlines a three-part progression of contrition. First, one must recognize the depth of sin, acknowledging that it is not a momentary lapse but a condition that goes "all the way down". Second, the individual must accept their total helplessness to change themselves, shifting the "verbs of change" entirely to God. Finally, the process culminates in turning to the Redeemer, where the realization of helplessness meets the "unfailing love" and victory of Jesus Christ. The Three Stages of Contrition 1. Depth: Realizing sin is a deep-seated nature, not just a mistake. 2. Helplessness: Admitting that personal willpower cannot fix the heart. 3. Redemption: Hurling oneself upon the mercy and compassion of Christ. Community Intercession and Global Concerns The congregation engaged in extensive prayer for local and global needs. This included petitions for the healing of hospitalized members, guidance for church leaders in the nomination process, and support for city partners addressing homelessness. The prayer also extended to world leaders and the pursuit of lasting peace in the Middle East, resting in the "good news" that God remains in control. Key Data Sanctuary Symbolism: There are estimated to be more than 360 crosses within the church sanctuary. Mental Health Context: Approximately 1 in 5 young people in society engage in some form of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to cope with feelings of unworthiness. Liturgical Calendar: The service marked the Second Sunday in Lent. To-Do / Next Steps Participate in the Generation Spark Survey: Attendees are asked to fill out index cards on the puzzle tables in the multipurpose room to help develop intergenerational relationships. Attend Visitor Coffee Time: Visitors and new members (joined within the last two years) are invited to the parlor after the service for a meet-and-greet. Review Elder and Deacon Nominations: Members nominated for leadership roles should discern their acceptance of these positions. Practice Daily Contrition: Individuals are encouraged to bring specific "broken" areas of their lives to God in nightly prayer for cleansing. Conclusion The service concludes with the affirmation that contrition is not a "morbid" focus on failure, but a "joyful" gateway to a second chance. By standing before the cross and offering a "broken and contrite heart," the believer finds that Jesus descends into the deepest parts of human misery to bring them home.