Lent is a season of forty days, not including Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. The season is a time of preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance. Many Christians use Lent as a time for taking on a spiritual practice. Some of these practices involve “taking on” a spiritual discipline; other practices involve deprivation such as giving up chocolate or television. Fasting is a way of recognizing dependence on God. Fasting could include limiting food intake, but it could include intentionally limiting access to technology or alcohol.

Lenten Worship

Beginning February 21, each Wednesday in Lent there will be Lenten Prayer Services at 9:00am and 8:00pm in the Chapel. These deacon-led services include music, scripture, prayer, contemplation, and communion is served.

Lifelong Learning – Falling Upward in Lent

Sunday mornings at 9:00am during Lent we will read Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, by Richard Rohr. This book will be a nice compliment to the Lenten Quest activities outlined on the first page of this newsletter. Biblically based and deeply spiritual, this book explores spirituality at the different stages of the spiritual journey. Author Brian MacLaren writes, “In Falling Upward, Richard offers a simple but deeply helpful framework for seeing the whole spiritual life – one that will help both beginners on the path as they look ahead and long-term pilgrims as they look back over their journey so far.”

Join us at 9:00am beginning February 18. We will have books for sale at the Church or they can be purchased at Elm Street Books in New Canaan. Please contact Eric at eric@godsacredev.wpengine.com with any questions.

Lifelong Learning – Adult Quest

For the season of Lent, we will offer “Lenten Quest” for adults. The 40 days of Lent reflect the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness prior to beginning his ministry. Therefore, Lent is a time of taking on spiritual disciplines in preparation for Easter. Many people of faith look forward to Lent with anticipation because it is a season in which we intentionally take a “deeper dive.”

Each Wednesday night during Lent from 7:00-8:00pm we will engage in a different spiritual practice: prayer, meditation, yoga with a Christian slant, etc. During Lent, we will develop our contemplative side and explore how it enhances and sustains our work and activity.

Click here for the Holy Week and Easter schedule