A Guide to Lent

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Lent is a time of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter.  It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days, not including Sundays. Lent is a time of re-centering and “spiritual spring-cleaning” when we humbly practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to help us listen, and repent for all the ways we have sinned and wandered away.  We contemplate the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus-in our own lives and our journey of faith. We simplify and clear out time and space during this season of renewal, anticipating new depth and maturity to be formed in us as we walk with Jesus toward the cross and resurrection.  It is a communal time of formation, especially for those families preparing for Baptism.   

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Did you know? There are 40 days in Lent for fasting, but Sundays are not traditionally included in this fast.  Since Sundays are Sabbath days, feast days, we celebrate the Resurrection no matter what the season.  So feel free to lift your fasts during Sundays in Lent!

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Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and lasts for 7 days leading up to Easter Sunday.  Easter Sunday begins the  Easter season of feasting in which we celebrate Christ's resurrection life.

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Questions to ponder throughout the season:

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In what ways do you need Jesus? 

How have you wandered away from Christ?

How can you remember your dependency on Jesus during this season?

How can you make space for God & His friendship? 

What can you say “no” to so you can say "yes" to God?

What helps you become aware of God's presence?