Lent 2021
Wednesday, Feb. 17 to Saturday, March 27
A sacred time to self-check and re-orient our walk with God.
The Season of Lent 2021
An invitation from God to self-check and re-orient our walk with God.
After a year filled with stress and fear many of us are longing for a little less stress in our lives. I hope this year we will experience the invitation to engage in Holy Lent not so much a rebuke for the wrongs we have done, but as an invitation to let go of some of the busy-ness of our lives that separates us from the grace of God. Of course, if we are to turn and search for the grace of God, we will probably have to give something up, something that distracts us from the main purpose of our lives – a relationship with the Creator, the human face found in Jesus, and the grace of the Holy Spirit which is always moving through the world.
Our Lenten offerings this year are ways to help us all engage with God more deeply as we prepare to experience again the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ during the Great Triduum, the three most holy days of the year – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Easter Vigil on Saturday night.
We hope that every member of our congregation will find a meaningful Lenten practice among these offerings. You are not expected to read every book, or go on every meditative walk, but find something to take part in that speaks to your soul.
Community Lenten Practices
We offer a variety of opportunities throughout Lent for contemplation, prayer, and action – individually and in community.
Please join in the offerings that will be most meaningful for you.
Lenten Book Studies
Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic – and Beyond, by Matthew Fox
Facilitated by Rev. David Stayner
Visit the Matthew Fox website to learn more about the book, its author, and options for purchase.
David will lead a discussion on Thursday evenings at 5 pm via Zoom during Lent. Link to join. (Meeting ID: 810 5892 1473; Passcode: 555794)
You do NOT need to attend every week. Please join as when you can.
Resources
Week 1: Introduction to series
- Julian of Norwich: Selections from Revelations of Divine Love – Annotated by Mary C Earl (Episcopal Priest, former Lecturer, Seminary of the Southwest)
- For background, view this YouTube video: Searching for the Lost Manuscript: Julian of Norwich, hosted by an engaging art historian who sets the context for ‘discovering Julian.’
Week 2: Why do we suffer? Do not avoid or numb yourself to suffering around you.
- Pioneers of the Spirit film: https://youtu.be/k9A1961tEoU
- Readings for discussion: Matthew Fox book, Chapter 1 Facing the Darkness
Mary C. Earl book, Chapter 1 The Visions; Chapter 6 The Question of Sin - Article from Anglican Journal by Matt Gardner (especially part 1: on suffering)
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Facilitated by Seminary Intern Leah Wise
Leah will facilitate discussions on Tuesdays during Lent via Zoom at 7 pm, from February 23 to March 30.
Have you ever felt uninspired by the Bible? Have you struggled to understand the relevance of Old Testament texts, or reacted in horror to a particular scripture passage? Rachel Held Evans’ book, Inspired, confronts these questions with honesty and diligence in order to help Christians find renewed inspiration in our foundational scriptures. Join Leah in weekly Zoom discussions as we read Inspired together during the Lenten season.
Facilitated by Seminary Intern Leah Wise
Leah will facilitate discussions on Tuesdays during Lent via Zoom at 7 pm, from February 23 to March 30.
Have you ever felt uninspired by the Bible? Have you struggled to understand the relevance of Old Testament texts, or reacted in horror to a particular scripture passage? Rachel Held Evans’ book, Inspired, confronts these questions with honesty and diligence in order to help Christians find renewed inspiration in our foundational scriptures. Join Leah in weekly Zoom discussions as we read Inspired together during the Lenten season.
A Weekly Practice
to Minimize Waste
Each week throughout Lent, St. Peter’s EcoJustice Council will focus on ONE simple, effective action we can take to reduce waste – honoring and respecting God’s gift of this bountiful planet, our island home. Link to learn more.
Rev Sandy recommends this book with daily simplification practices:
Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit
by Paula Huston
Each day in Lent, except Sundays, the author offers a quote, meditation and practice to guide individuals and families toward simplicity – practical and spiritual. Link to learn more about the book and its author.
Meditation Walks
Kristin Peters will lead intergenerational groups on two walks during Lent to give us the opportunity to dwell in God’s creation with quiet attentiveness. The walks will be in Cheshire on well-known trails, organized to be COVID-safe. It’s a beautiful way to reset and reconnect during Lent. Link for dates and locations.