Signs of Spring…Lent is coming
Deal LFP Fam,
Flowering trees? Already? Did the frost from a couple weeks ago fool our foliage friends? I'm starting to see buds and blossoms. Honestly it feels too early.
Nevertheless, we are marching toward spring (though secretly I still hope for a little snow). Next week we start the season of Lent, which actually means "spring."
It's always an interesting juxtaposition that we lean into what it means to be mortal, to be dependent, to be limited -- precisely in the season of spring, a season which gives us new life. And, perhaps that is the point. The reason why the earth lies dormant in winter is that the potential of new life arises out of what has seemingly "died." This is a biological reality. It's also a spiritual reality.
Lent gives us space for our souls to make room for new life. It carves out and prunes out the old so that the resurrection life of Christ can find it's hold in us once again.
To that end, I encourage you to pick and choose from a variety of opportunities this Lent to nurture the soil of your spirit. Let me just name a few and you can see this email and the website for more details:
Ash Wednesday
This year we will not host an Ash Wednesday service. Instead, we will distribute a personal or group resource you can use. We also recommend the following Presbyterian churches near us for their Ash Wednesday services:
Maplewood PC 10am
Emmanuel PC 6:30pm
Calvin PC 7pm
(More info below)
Black History Month Book Discussion
We kick off Lent during Black History Month…and I invite you to join me in reading a historically watershed book by Howard Thurman called Jesus and the Disinherited. This was a key text for MLK. If you're interested in discussing in March, sign up and we'll coordinate.
Lenten Poetry
Once again, if you liked the Advent book of poetry edited by Malcolm Guite then you might like his Lenten twin. We'll have several copies available for purchase on Sunday at the Welcome Center. Here is his blog post on the book, and you can find him posting and sharing about it here: https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2023/02/20/the-word-in-the-wilderness-a-journey-through-lent-6/
Lenten Pillars
The three pillars of Lent are traditionally prayer, fasting and almsgiving. PCUSA's special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing, supports mission that aids those affected by disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees. I actually think the children's calendar is great for all ages to spend just a little time each day learning, praying and thinking of those who need assistance. Kids can set aside a little gift each day, or adults can save up and make donations or make specific recommended gifts as you feel led. There is a calendar to follow along and a map of missions is forthcoming online. Copies of the calendar are also available at the church Welcome center.
This is a lot to explore. None of us can or should do it all. We're hoping that in these esources available during this time of Lent you will find what you need to encourage your soul towards growth and refreshing.
See you soon!
Jeff
Pastor