Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 6th, and lasts for 40 days before Easter. Lent is typically a time of soul searching and repentance, but the origins of Lent are found in BAPTISM. The early church used these 40 days to prepare new candidates for baptism. Lent is a time to remember our baptism and to remind ourselves daily of God’s mission in the world.
Many people see Lent as a time of self denial and solemn and stark asceticism. I see Lent as a time of ‘rich simplicity’ (well that’s what Sundays and Seasons Worship Planning suggests— and I agree). Our symbols and rituals should be striking and rich in contemplation. Our theme for this Lenten Season is YOUR NAIL, and will be based on a devotional booklet to be used every day in Lent. You will get your booklet at the Ash Wednesday Worship Service.
Many people ‘give something up’ for Lent. Some give up sweets, sodas, or just chocolate alone, which I’ve heard is really hard to do! I’ve never really been into ‘giving up’ for Lent. Somehow, I think that makes the sacrifice about me and not about God. If baptism is a gift from God, then the only thing we can do as participants in Baptism is RESPOND. We can DO something for Lent – not give something up.
This Lent DO something like: volunteer at the Food Pantry, or on Property Work Day, or at the SAMM Shelter. I don’t know how giving up sweets does anything for Jesus? Instead, Do something that lifts up the sacrifice of Jesus. This year, don’t give up anything for Lent. DO something.
♥ ♥ ♥
Many people see Lent as a time of self denial and solemn and stark asceticism. I see Lent as a time of ‘rich simplicity’ (well that’s what Sundays and Seasons Worship Planning suggests— and I agree). Our symbols and rituals should be striking and rich in contemplation. Our theme for this Lenten Season is YOUR NAIL, and will be based on a devotional booklet to be used every day in Lent. You will get your booklet at the Ash Wednesday Worship Service.
Many people ‘give something up’ for Lent. Some give up sweets, sodas, or just chocolate alone, which I’ve heard is really hard to do! I’ve never really been into ‘giving up’ for Lent. Somehow, I think that makes the sacrifice about me and not about God. If baptism is a gift from God, then the only thing we can do as participants in Baptism is RESPOND. We can DO something for Lent – not give something up.
This Lent DO something like: volunteer at the Food Pantry, or on Property Work Day, or at the SAMM Shelter. I don’t know how giving up sweets does anything for Jesus? Instead, Do something that lifts up the sacrifice of Jesus. This year, don’t give up anything for Lent. DO something.
♥ ♥ ♥
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