Next week we will gather to feast on Shrove Tuesday, closing the night by burning last years’ palms to make the ashes we will use to mark our mortality the following evening on Ash Wednesday, which will mark our entrance into the holy season of Lent.
Lent is a time when we are invited into self-examination, repentance, and works of mercy. It is a time to take deep breaths and go deeper in our spiritual lives. Many people choose to give something up during Lent, while others choose to ‘take on’ a practice. There is no right way to do it, but we will have several resources to help you along the way.
First, on Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent, look for the table in the narthex with devotional materials. For children there will be Journey Around Jerusalem, a poster and daily sticker booklet with reflections. Youth and adults can pick up Lenten Devotional booklets from Episcopal Relief & Development with daily readings. For everyone, there is Lent Madness! This fun Lenten program invites you to learn more about the saints of the church while adding in the competitive spirit of March Madness. Pick up a Saintly Scorecard booklet, fill out your bracket, and then vote online every day for your favorite saint. We’ll track the progress of matchups on a poster in the narthex all season long to see who wins the Golden Halo!
The Sunday School children and youth are preparing Stations of the Cross which will be hung in the sanctuary in late March. Booklets for praying with the Stations will be available for personal use, or for families to use together.
This year our youth shaped crosses onto clay with their hands; we then fired them to make Lenten touchstones to be carried as prayer stones throughout this season. Everyone is invited to choose a touchstone to take home with them – they will also be on the table in the narthex.
Finally, read further on in this email for details about our Lenten Series – Deep into the Night – where we will delve into the mystery that is the Easter Vigil service.
I look forward to our journey together through this holy season of Lent.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+