An invitation to take a taste, body and soul, of the Lenten Season, by experimenting with communal spiritual disciplines.
WHAT IS LENT?
Lent is the 40-day season in the life of the church when we are invited to take stock of our lives, as modeled by Jesus during his 40 days in the wilderness. Originated in the very earliest days of the church as a preparatory time for Easter, Lenten practices are an invitation to deepen our awareness of God through spiritual disciplines.
WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES?
Perhaps the most well known spiritual discipline that we recognize as a Lenten practice is a form of fasting. Examples: “I gave up sugar for Lent;” “I gave up gossiping for Lent;” “I gave up television for Lent.” Other Lenten spiritual disciplines include acts of service, prayer, reading/reflection of Scripture, and meditative silence.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES?
The purpose of these disciplines is to invite us to examine ourselves and our lives, with an openness to absorbing what might be revealed to us through the process of regular observance of a discipline. The hope is that we arrive at Easter morning with fewer pretenses and more authenticity; with a heightened awareness of the divine indwelling in us and all around us. The purpose of spiritual disciplines is to create continued portals for experiencing God.
WILL YOU TAKE A TASTE?
Please take a look at the offerings below and join us when you can. Come for one, come for all, come when you can. No preparation or prior experience required!
Silent Meditation
Wednesdays: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27
12:30 pm, Chapel Parlor
Led by Trinity member Patty Smitherman
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). We will begin our meditative opportunity for silence and reflection with instruction on how to engage silence, followed by a quote from a mystic, contemplative, or Scripture. Then we will sit in silence together for 20 minutes, followed by a closing blessing. According to Thomas Keating, “Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and rest in God.” This spiritual practice invites us to settle down long enough to be present to receive holy nudges.
Lectio Divina
Thursdays: February 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28
12:00 pm and 5:00pm, B100
Led by pastoral staff
Lectio divina (“divine reading”) is a contemplative way to connect with God’s Word. This ancient spiritual practice involves listening to multiple readings of the same Scripture passage, interspersed with short periods of silence. This way of reading the Bible focuses not on listening for information, but rather on listening for formation – how we are being moved and formed by the words.
Children's Activities
(in conjunction with the Lectio Divinia prayer group for adults)
5:00-5:45 pm
1-2 grades Children’s Prayer Activities led by Erin McGee
3-4 year olds Supervised Lenten Crafts in building D
2 and under child care for parents attending lectio divina group
K and 3-5 graders are in choir during this time frame
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