I am really looking forward to the Season of Lent which starts next Wednesday, Feb. 18, just as I really appreciated Advent this past winter. Perhaps it is because Lent, like Advent, is a season in which I am not expected to be jolly. Lent is a quieter season, a season of introspection and prayer, of repentance and repair, of deepening love for God and one another in Christ. Lent seems like exactly what I need right now – a time to slow down, deliberately listen to God and hopefully become more compassionate to my fellow human beings.
I am grateful for all of the ways that we are invited to pray, reflect, repent, reconcile and love during Lent. Some people believe that we are “obligated” to take on things or give up things during Lent. In my experience, obligations do not help us to grow closer to God and one another in Christ. As the Ash Wednesday liturgy says, you are *invited* to a Holy Lent. You are invited to participate in Lenten opportunities that may help you to become more aware of God’s presence in your life and in the world. An opportunity is different from an obligation. Here at St. Stephen’s, Lenten opportunities include:
– Using the “Journey through Lent” posters and the “Forward Day by Day” booklets as devotional guides. Both will be available in the Narthex, the entrance to the Church on Sunday, Feb. 15.
– Participating in the Ash Wednesday services at 12 noon (spoken, no Holy Eucharist) and 7 p.m. (music, with Holy Eucharist) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Church. The 7 p.m. service will also be livestreamed.
– Engaging in Lectio Divina, a meditative form of Bible Study with meditative Taize music, offered on Saturdays at 5 p.m. in the Chapel downstairs on February 21 and 28, and March 7, 14, 21 and 28.
– Bible Study & Compline on Wednesday evenings, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Conference Room off the Parish Hall, on February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, and concluding during Holy Week on April 1.
– We will resume offering Healing Prayer at the end of the Sunday morning service on the 4th Sunday of every month, beginning on the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 22, at the end of the 10 a.m. service.
If none of these opportunities seem like what you are seeking to observe a Holy Lent, please send me a message and together we may be able to come up with other possible ways for you to deepen your relationship with God and your neighbors during this Season of Lent.
In Christ’s peace and love,
Pastor Teresa