Lent 2024
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14th. On this day, we are asked to commit ourselves "to observe a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word." (BCP 265) This commitment is done individually with the understanding that we are in community and is meant to be relational – because it is meant to deepen and renew our relationship with God and each other.
Below we offer descriptions of the Lenten offerings and ask you to formally make a commitment to a Lenten practice. Set an intention for yourself, make a commitment for Lent – when we are intentional with our Lent commitment we can truly explore what it means to turn our hearts back to God.
We invite you to take the next 2 weeks to pray about what spiritual practice(s) you would like to commit to this Lent. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Make your Lenten commitment Here.
Daily Reading/Listening/Praying/Reflecting on the Lenten reflections
For the past few years, parishioners have engaged in reflecting on a piece of scripture and offering their thoughts in the form of a daily Lenten reflection that gets emailed out that you can read or listen to. As a practice, this would mean to commit to reading or listening to the daily scripture and reflection and spending some time with it yourself.
An Exploration of the 10 Commandments
8pm Mondays on Zoom in Lent Feb 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
At the beginning of each Sunday service in Lent, we recite the 10 Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, right before the confession of sin. Curious about how the 10 Commandments are still relevant in our lives today? Join us for an exploration of them through the lens of God’s grace and forgiveness. Each session will last approximately 1hr 15 min. Click here to buy the book on Amazon.
Contemplative Prayer
7am Tuesday mornings beginning February 20th through March 19th
Every Tuesday morning in Lent we will engage in the ancient prayer of Lectio Divina at 7am via Zoom. In Christianity, Lectio Divina is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's Word. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the Living Word that reveals its relevance in our lives today. We will pray seasonally relevant scripture. No previous experience necessary. Sessions will last approximately 30 minutes
Evening Prayer
Wednesdays 6:35pm in person
Join us for Evening Prayer, part of the Daily Office found in our Book of Common Prayer.
Ukranian Eggs
Thursdays at 10 am during Lent beginning February 29th.
Join the Mothers for the ancient spiritual practice of Pysanky, aka Ukranian egg-dying using wax and special dyes. No previous experience necessary. Bring your lunch and spend time exercising your creative muscles during this meditative practice.
Stations of the Cross Icon writing class with Fr. Regan O'Callaghan
6 Sundays at 4pm via Zoom starting February 25. Cost $100 for the 6 sessions to cover supplies.
Space is limited.
Art has long been a spiritual practice, especially the ancient practice of Icon writing. Join Regan O'Callahan for 5 Sundays in Lent where you will create your own mixed media Station of the Cross with painting combined with collage. Supplies will be provided and distributed prior to February 25.
Regan O’Callaghan is an artist/priest presently living in France but originally from New Zealand. Previously he lived in the United Kingdom where he studied art and religious studies including the technique of icon writing (painting). In 2001 Regan was ordained into the Church of England. He combines his religious ministry with art, leading many art projects and workshops as well as painting a number of commissions including icons for Saint Paul’s Cathedral London and Sherborne Abbey, Dorset. He believes in a ministry of encouragement where art is the facilitator. Today Regan’s art practice has built on the technique of icon writing combining contemporary themes with traditional techniques. He is also inspired by the natural environment and humankind's relationship/connection with their surroundings.
Sing in the Choir for Holy Week & Easter
Rehearsals Sunday following the 10am service.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Singing is a form of prayer to God. Commit to joining the choir this season to sing during Holy Week and Easter. (older youth - 4th grade and up - are welcome to join the choir after a conversation with Kevin.)
Giving Up something
Traditionally, we hear of folks, or maybe we have, given up chocolate or meat or alcohol for Lent. This practice aims to go deeper to reflect on what is getting in your way to being closer to God - is it gossip? envy? anger? jealousy? etc. This practice asks you to spend some time before Lent begins to figure out what might be getting in the way of a closer relationship with God and committing to "giving it up" for these 40 days.
Let us be mutually encouraged with a Lenten Friend
Lent can be intimidating! But take heart; we are not alone. We travel through the wilderness of Lent with the One who knows the wilderness well, the One who endured it, the One who created it. We have an opportunity again this Lent to travel with a friend, a Lenten friend. Once you have selected your practice and filled out the form, the last question will be, do you want a Lenten Friend who will travel these 40 days with you. The Mothers will get you started with your first meeting and then you will be encouraged to set a weekly time to talk to your Lenten friend so that you might be mutually encouraged.
Shrove Tuesday
5:30pm Shrove Tuesday BBQ with hot dogs, s’mores and burning of last year’s palms (no sign up required) Volunteer sign up will be available 2/4.
Ash Wednesday Services
5:30pm Family Service with Imposition of Ashes, Homily & Eucharist
6:30pm Lent-il Soup Silent Dinner (sign up will be required) - Please note this is a contemplative dinner and is not suitable for young children
7:30pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Special Music