On Not Taking Lent out on Our Bodies

By Jodi Belcher (she/her/hers) in Building Faith on Feb 07, 2023

Henri Matisse and the Colors of Lent

From the gray of Ash Wednesday to the brilliant dawn of Easter Sunday, the season of Lent is a journey through color. And so what better guides to this journey than the words of Scripture and the art of Henri Matisse, one of the most daring, influential artists in modern history?

(For a family-oriented version of this devotional, check out “Into the Wild: A Family-Friendly Devotional on Henri Matisse and the Season of Lent.” And by the way, the two resources are designed so they can be used side-by-side, for congregations who want to explore the season together, across generations.)

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VINCENT VAN GOGH AND THE BEAUTY OF LENT

This Lent, let Vincent be your guide.

In this 24-page devotional, biblical texts and Van Gogh’s paintings and letters throw light on each other, pointing toward simple, powerful Lenten practices.

Make this Lent and Easter the most beautiful yet!

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EMILY DICKINSON AND THE POETRY OF LENT: A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Lent is a time of reflection and insight, a change of seasons - and Emily Dickinson, one of the world’s most beloved poets, was also an avid gardener and a careful observer of the natural world. In this Lenten devotional, biblical texts and simple, accessible practices weave together with Dickinson’s poetic vision, creating a 40-day journey into the heart of the holiest week of the year.

Reading Between the Lines is a 6 week study inclusive of Lent 1 – Palm/Passion Sunday which follows the Revised Common Lectionary (YEAR A, B or C) text selections. Through a series of guided questions the participant journeys along the weekly storyline to unpack where these stories are happening in our world today, in our communities, and within ourselves. This rich sensory resource utilizes art, poetry and prose to explore the characters and stories that lead up to Easter Sunday. Also included is a FURTHER EXPLORATION section that explores further the season of LENT using supplemental materials, quotes and thought-provoking excerpts.

Lent in a Box from Church Anew

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Equipping Event (in-person or online - register below)
• Two Sermon Series options
• Worship Resources
• Daily Devotional
• Graphics for worship and social media
• Instructions for a Spiritual Practice
• Children’s Ministry Content
• Communication ideas

40acts is the generosity challenge for Lent, created by UK Christian charity, Stewardship. For ten years, 40acts has asked a question: what if Lent could be about more than just giving stuff up? What if it could be a time of radical generosity as well as spiritual discipline? Over the years, 40acts has become a movement of over 100,000 people on a mission to impact their communities with generosity – during Lent and beyond. 

Openings: Lent, 2022 invites participants to explore the same complex and challenging feelings Jesus experienced in his final days. Wonder Stations enables households or congregations to develop a Stations of the Cross for Good Friday that can be shared in homes, church buildings or outside. Find the Leader Guide here and the full outline here.

Liturgies for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Stations of the Cross (Good Friday), Easter Vigil, and Easter Morning are included!

READ & SHARE WILD HOPE: STORIES FROM THE VANISHING THIS LENT!!!

SEE/SHARE THE TRAILER HERE.

FIND THE DISCUSSION GUIDE HERE.

Stations of the Cross Worship Videos, along with the included liturgical script and reflection booklet, allow you to create an interactive, virtual and contemplative Stations of the Cross worship experience.

Free Youth Lenten Devotional App from Spark House!

Yoga Devotions that pair texts for Palm Sunday, the Three Holy Days and Resurrection Sunday with movement and stretching.