Of all the seasons of the church year, Lent is the one we best observe on our own. With its call to personal repentance and renewal, Lent is what each one of makes of it, with our own way of observance. What might Lent look like? Here are a few ideas:
Fasting: Traditionally, we “give something up” for Lent. This is no exercise of will power or opportunity for holy dieting, quite the opposite. In foregoing some regular treat or habit, we discover our weakness—just how hard it is to not get dessert when everyone else does. Weakness reminds us of our need for God, and gives us the humility to empathize with others.
Giving: As you give up your Starbucks habit, you save money. You might want to offer that money, or some other gift. This year Trinity’s Lenten offering will go to Episcopal Relief and Development for the needs of the world. We will have ways to receive this money each week at Trinity.
Study: Trinity has a Lenten Program! This year we will be following the story that surrounds us every Sunday–the Stations of the Cross pictured in our windows. The Stations have their roots in pilgrimages made to Jerusalem where pilgrims traced the last steps of Jesus. Fourteen pictures portray fourteen moments from Christ’s last hours, nine taken from scripture and five from extra traditions. Each Thursday we will discuss and respond to several stations.
Prayer: Lent is the perfect time to pick up a prayer life! Use the Forward Day by Day, or access one of the online versions of the Daily Office to make prayer a habit.
Make a Plan. Lent needs a Plan.
Make a plan. Bring it to church on Sunday, March 8 as an offering to get Lent started right.