Resources for Lent
One of the great challenges facing churches as they
move through the church year is finding new ways
to do old things. In this respect, Lent is a particularly
difficult season for many of us.
Call to Worship, Presbyterians Today and One Great
Hour of Sharing all provide us with many
resource options. We also can explore the
rich resources of our own Book of
Common Worship for suggestions for
worship and special services. Things
to Make & Do for Lent and Easter
is another basic resource for Lent.
We asked several staff members
for some of their suggestions:
I have found a Lenten candle
liturgy, sort of a reverse
Advent observance. Instead
of reading Scripture and
lighting candles, Scripture is accompanied by the
extinguishing of one candle
per Sunday. It becomes an
extended Tenebrae service.
As strange as it sounds, I found
Jews for Jesus’ “Christ in the
Passover” presentation to be a
helpful explanation of the shared and
separate nuances of the two celebrations.
Mark D. Hinds, Ed.D.
General Editor for Curriculum Development
One Lenten devotional is the (free!) One Great Hour of
Sharing Lenten Devotional Guide (available from
Presbyterian Distribution Service, #1113808120).
This weekly resource focuses on the meaning of
water in our lives. It can be folded into a triangular
tabletop piece and turned each week to focus on a
new set of simple actions, reflections and prayers that
help us explore the meanings that water and the lack
of water have for our bodies, our souls, our world and
our relationship with God and one another.
The Rev. Jon Brown
Coordinator, Mission Interpretation, Communications & Funds Development
My personal journey during Lent is usually marked by
a particular resource for spiritual devotion. I choose a
book on theology or prayers, or even one on ethics
and read sections each day. I don’t try to make it into
anything big and involved (because I wouldn’t stick
with it). I let the reading itself inform my journey.
Professionally, I recommend that people start with
the PC(USA) Web site for all sorts of information about
what is going on in the church and for ideas for
activities and mission. For personal study, I suggest
looking at the devotions Web site for information
on devotions and readings for daily meditation and
prayer. Check out the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Web site specifically for Lent.
Information collected from across the various General
Assembly agencies by our Web team is shared there.
You will find worship resources, Bible studies and
multilingual resources. You also can find a collection
of past ideas! articles on Lent.
Try looking at d365.org, a site for youth daily
devotion sponsored by the Youth Ministries Office of
the PC(USA) (and several other denominations). You
may also want to check your local presbytery or synod
for resources to explore Lent.
Michael Purintun
Editor, ideas! For Church Leaders
Here is a prayer that puts the busy-ness of the Easter
season in perspective:
No matter what we do or don’t do . . .
We could release 100 butterflies,
We could flower the cross,
We could have banners flying and trumpets blaring,
We could have a spectacular meal, the prettiest outfit,
and lilies galore,
Or we could not.
It would still be Easter. Jesus is risen! Alleluia! Amen.
Meg Rift
Editor, Curriculum Development, CMP
Julie Cox
Associate Executive Presbyter,
Presbytery of New Harmony |
