Lent 2021
For Jesus is our peace: walking in lent together
Ephesians 1-2
“The word Lent is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word lengthen or lencten meaning "spring." We are "to spring" into action, to do the tasks of the season, to prepare for the new growth and graces that overflow from Easter. Spring is the most important season for a farmer, for it determines what crops [they] will plant. Once decided, [they] prepare the soil thoroughly and plant the seed carefully, hoping that the seed buried deep in the soil will produce an abundant crop.”
- Activity Source: Original Text (JGM & MG) by Jennifer Gregory Miller and Margaret Gregory
We invite you to think about preparing for spring, being present in the now, and journeying along with Christ and the greater communion of saints all over the world this Lent. However you spend these next 40 days of Lent (46 counting Sundays), we pray you will take time to walk with open eyes and at a pace of life that gives you space to be with GOD.
Here is a question to help shape this season:
Where have I turned away from God, and what are the disciplines (the letting go and taking on; the changing of focus and priorities) that will enable me to turn to the One who is already turned toward me?
Resources for Walking in Lent Together +
To encourage your walk, here is an online backpack with walking ideas and resources.
The Way of Shalom – a daily reading and prayer to prepare for Easter. We are inviting participation in a daily resource prepared by Presbyterians Today.
All Shall Be Well — Readings for Lent and Easter by Various
Vapor (Official Video) — The Liturgists
Lent Playlist on Spotify — Sacred Ordinary Days
Growing Back Together: A Lent Retreat 2021 — Pray As You Go
Lenten Devotions — Episcopal Migration Ministries + Episcopal Asylum Ministry Network
Drawing Closer to Creator and Creation: An Indigenous Journey Through Lent — Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice
Planting a Garden — As you prepare your own gardens now, looking toward spring and summer, would you consider planting a little extra for Union’s food ministry? We will have more specifics soon, but we know our ministries currently use/need: red bell peppers, onions, greens of all kinds, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, carrots, and celery.
Shalom Art — tap into other ways of reflection by giving yourself permission to express your soul soundings in words, carving, drawing — any medium.
Walking Partners — Jesus never sent people out alone. Who is someone you can connect with for a few minutes each week to share thoughts from your walk? You may want to physically meet up for a walk or simply talk on the phone. Can’t think of a partner? Email James B and he will make a connection.
Meals for your neighbor or for the community:
We also would love to hear your practices time to reflect, receive and return to God as we journey toward Easter to use in the future. Email Renée.
Even as we cannot gather as we are accustomed, our liturgical calendar invites us into familiar rhythms that serve as a container for our faith. This Lenten season, we invite you to engage in these ways:
Ash Wednesday
As we begin Lent, we will join together virtually. You can watch our Ash Wednesday service here.
We are dust and to dust we return.
Through Jesus Christ we are made new.
For Jesus is Our Peace: Exploring the Intimacy and Expanse of the Cross
Ephesians 1-3. We especially invite you to meditate upon, marinate in, and even possibly memorize Ephesians 2 during Lent. 10 AM online.
Communion in person | February 28th & March 28th
Sundays in lent
Movie nights
Explore themes of grace and sacrificial love while watching a movie together.
Online | Fridays, February 26th & March 26th
Wednesday Lenten Guided Reflections
Discover ways to pray and enrich your walk with Jesus through times of guided prayer and reflection
Zoom info here | Wednesday Eves, March 3-24 | 7 pm
Eco-Faith in Lent
Tune in on Wednesdays for special Lent reflections, practices, and resources integrated into our care for all of God’s Creation: namely our new Union Gardens initiative!
Holy week
For our full list of service offerings, click here.