Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, traditionally a time of reflection, confession, and repentance with an emphasis on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Often persons are encouraged to “give something up” for Lent as a way to practice self-discipline and remember the sacrifices Jesus made.
This year for Lent, we hope to embrace humor and laughter as a spiritual practice. The hope for our Lenten practice is that what we “give up” is the somber anxiety that we’ve been living with for months and relax into humor, lightheartedness, and laughter. On Sundays in Lent, Mark Biddle will explore humor in the bible as part of morning worship. And on Wednesdays, we’ll spend the first part of our midweek gathering reflecting on what we explored Sunday and experienced in the intervening time.
There are a host of ways to observe Lent. Here are a few ideas.
- Daily Devotional Guides
Lent is a time of reflection and insight, a change of seasons – and Emily Dickinson, one of the world’s most beloved poets, was also an avid gardener and a careful observer of the natural world. In this Lenten devotional, biblical texts and simple, accessible practices weave together with Dickinson’s poetic vision, creating a 40-day journey into the heart of the holiest week of the year.
The church has purchased a congregational license and will distribute this resource electronically via Realm. Here is a sample. If you need help obtaining your copy, please contact the church office.
- Westminster Canterbury has once again produced their Lenten Devotional booklet and physical copies are available at the church building. You will find them in a plastic tub under the awning at the door nearest the kitchen. Pick one up for yourself and one (or more) to share! We are happy to arrange to bring on to you if are unable to stop by.
- 2021 Lenten Creation Care Calendar – Produced by Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, you’re invited to join them in taking on a Lenten Creation care practice each day.
- How to Pray with a Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation – An Outdoor Labyrinth is located near the campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary in the park on the corner of Westwood Ave and Loxley Road (across from 3318 Loxley Rd.) But you can participate in a walking meditation just about anywhere.
This post from 2020 – 20 Ideas for Lent – still has many relevant ideas, too.