Just as the Lenten season reminds the Christian of Christ's journey to the cross, the seven candles and the weekly extinguishing of each one enhances that long, soon-to-be dark journey. When the last candle is extinguished and the darkness seems to be all-consuming, worshipers will feel the darkness of the soul at the time of Christ's crucifixion.

Using one or two liturgists, flexible services are provided for every Sunday during the Lenten season as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday, during which a Paschal candle is lighted. The beauty and symbolism of these services will add meaning and dimension to your Lenten worship as the congregation is reminded each Sunday of being one step closer in the journey to the cross. Robert S. Jarboe is pastor of Faith Chapel United Methodist Church in Huntington, Indiana. He is a graduate of Manchester College with a B.S. in music, majoring in piano and voice. He earned his M.Div. degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.