Embedded Files
Ash Wednesday Services 2/18/2026 at 5PM!
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Updated for Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 [Ash Wednesday]
Updated for Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 [Ash Wednesday]
Prelude - Debbie
Prelude - Debbie
Welcome - Pastor Mary Beth
Welcome - Pastor Mary Beth
Gathering Hymn - Debbie
Gathering Hymn - Debbie
Passing the Peace/Call to Worship
Passing the Peace/Call to Worship
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
One: The season of Lent calls us to pause; to turn away from the noise of the world and toward the quiet of the heart. We come to seek the Lord,
One: The season of Lent calls us to pause; to turn away from the noise of the world and toward the quiet of the heart. We come to seek the Lord,
Many: whose mercy is great and whose love is steadfast.
Many: whose mercy is great and whose love is steadfast.
One: Even in the wilderness, God provides a path. Even in the shadows, Christ is our light. So let us lay down our burdens and open our spirits to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
One: Even in the wilderness, God provides a path. Even in the shadows, Christ is our light. So let us lay down our burdens and open our spirits to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
Many: We lay down our burdens at the feet of our Lord.
Many: We lay down our burdens at the feet of our Lord.
One: Come, let us worship God as we journey together toward the cross.
One: Come, let us worship God as we journey together toward the cross.
Many: We offer our hearts in worship; we offer our lives in service! Amen!
Many: We offer our hearts in worship; we offer our lives in service! Amen!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, let us sow faith; where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, let us bring light; and where there is sadness, joy.
Where there is doubt, let us sow faith; where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, let us bring light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Prayer Hymn - Debbie
Prayer Hymn - Debbie
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
Let us pray: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Let us pray: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Righteous God, in humility and repentance we bring our failures in caring, helping, and loving; we bring the pain we have caused others; we bring the injustice in society of which we are a part; to the transforming power of your grace.
Righteous God, in humility and repentance we bring our failures in caring, helping, and loving; we bring the pain we have caused others; we bring the injustice in society of which we are a part; to the transforming power of your grace.
Grant us the courage to accept the healing you offer and to turn again toward the sunrise of your reign, that we may walk with you in the promise of peace you have willed for all the children of the earth, and have made known to us in Christ Jesus. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Grant us the courage to accept the healing you offer and to turn again toward the sunrise of your reign, that we may walk with you in the promise of peace you have willed for all the children of the earth, and have made known to us in Christ Jesus. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Lenten Candle Liturgy
Lenten Candle Liturgy
As we extinguish this light, we remember that we are dust, and we remember that we are called to die to ourselves, that we may live in Christ.
As we extinguish this light, we remember that we are dust, and we remember that we are called to die to ourselves, that we may live in Christ.
(A candle is extinguished).
(A candle is extinguished).
Let us pray: Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before us and invite us inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons us to see our lives through Christ's eyes and the reality of your love incarnate. Give us the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of the day when we shall all see resurrection. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Let us pray: Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before us and invite us inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons us to see our lives through Christ's eyes and the reality of your love incarnate. Give us the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of the day when we shall all see resurrection. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Lectionary Hymn - James
Lectionary Hymn - James
Lenten Meditation - Pastor Mary Beth
Lenten Meditation - Pastor Mary Beth
Meditation/Communion Hymn - James
Meditation/Communion Hymn - James
Communion/Imposition of the Ashes
Communion/Imposition of the Ashes
One: The Lord be with you!
One: The Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
One: Open your hearts!
One: Open your hearts!
Many: We open them to the Spirit of God!
Many: We open them to the Spirit of God!
One: May God’s light nurture your wandering spirits each day.
One: May God’s light nurture your wandering spirits each day.
Many: May God’s love sustain us each night!
Many: May God’s love sustain us each night!
One: God’s love truly sustains us, so let us join with the heavenly choir in their unending hymn:
One: God’s love truly sustains us, so let us join with the heavenly choir in their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord
Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
In this season of Lent, we are invited to enter the wilderness of our own hearts, where we confront the things that separate us from God and one another. We do not come to this moment in shame, but in the confidence that the One who created us is the One who redeems us. Let us hold our lives up to the light of Christ and speak the truth in love, as we confess together:
In this season of Lent, we are invited to enter the wilderness of our own hearts, where we confront the things that separate us from God and one another. We do not come to this moment in shame, but in the confidence that the One who created us is the One who redeems us. Let us hold our lives up to the light of Christ and speak the truth in love, as we confess together:
Merciful God, we admit that we often wander from your path. We have let our fears lead us, our distractions consume us, and our hearts grow cold to the needs of our neighbors. In this quiet season, forgive us for what we have done and what we have left undone. Clear away the clutter of our souls so that we may return to you with all our hearts. Amen.
Merciful God, we admit that we often wander from your path. We have let our fears lead us, our distractions consume us, and our hearts grow cold to the needs of our neighbors. In this quiet season, forgive us for what we have done and what we have left undone. Clear away the clutter of our souls so that we may return to you with all our hearts. Amen.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and beloved!
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and beloved!
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
This is a season of wilderness - the season we grasp to understand the Divine just a little more. This is the time for us to reach inwards to find the self that God sees. This is the chance for us to gaze outwards, caring for the Christ in our midst.
This is a season of wilderness - the season we grasp to understand the Divine just a little more. This is the time for us to reach inwards to find the self that God sees. This is the chance for us to gaze outwards, caring for the Christ in our midst.
The Lenten roads are long, yet full of gifts. The Lenten paths often seem chilly, yet warm with the winds of the Spirit. The Spirit of God is the light that leads us in the darkest of nights. Christ is our companion on the journey in the intense sunlight of day. We remember Christ’s time in the wilderness - The struggles; the hunger; the peace.
The Lenten roads are long, yet full of gifts. The Lenten paths often seem chilly, yet warm with the winds of the Spirit. The Spirit of God is the light that leads us in the darkest of nights. Christ is our companion on the journey in the intense sunlight of day. We remember Christ’s time in the wilderness - The struggles; the hunger; the peace.
And as we seek the Divine in our midst, on this journey, we crave the bread of life. On our desert roads, we thirst for the fruit of the vine, the cup of blessings.
And as we seek the Divine in our midst, on this journey, we crave the bread of life. On our desert roads, we thirst for the fruit of the vine, the cup of blessings.
Through Jesus the Christ’s story, we remember…
Through Jesus the Christ’s story, we remember…
(Lift the bread, break it) We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the bread, break it) We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the cup) Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the cup) Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In remembrance of these mighty acts, we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
In remembrance of these mighty acts, we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
May the Spirit who traveled with Christ in the wilderness and fills us with the hope of God surround these elements of bread and wine. May the Spirit speak to us in this season of wilderness becoming our strength on this journey and filling our lives with love. And all the beloved said: Amen.
May the Spirit who traveled with Christ in the wilderness and fills us with the hope of God surround these elements of bread and wine. May the Spirit speak to us in this season of wilderness becoming our strength on this journey and filling our lives with love. And all the beloved said: Amen.
The start of Lent is often observed with the imposition of ashes. We use the ashes of burnt palm branches from previous Palm Sundays. The ashes remind us that from dust we have come, and to dust we shall return - but beloved, take heart! Haven’t you heard what our God can do with dust?
The start of Lent is often observed with the imposition of ashes. We use the ashes of burnt palm branches from previous Palm Sundays. The ashes remind us that from dust we have come, and to dust we shall return - but beloved, take heart! Haven’t you heard what our God can do with dust?
As you come forward to receive Communion, you are also invited to receive the ashes in the sign of the Cross upon your forehead and a prayer of blessing as you begin your Lenten journey.
As you come forward to receive Communion, you are also invited to receive the ashes in the sign of the Cross upon your forehead and a prayer of blessing as you begin your Lenten journey.
I invite you to the observance of holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy scriptures.
I invite you to the observance of holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy scriptures.
Let us pray: Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Let us pray: Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. And all the beloved said: Amen.
The Table and the ashes are prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty, and all who wish to remember your reliance on the grace of the God who creates from dust, are invited to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you.
The Table and the ashes are prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty, and all who wish to remember your reliance on the grace of the God who creates from dust, are invited to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you.
(After everyone has received)
(After everyone has received)
Divine Light of our journey - in a spirit of gratitude we give thanks for this time at your Holy Table. This time at the Table has filled us with strength, knowing that as we continue on this Lenten journey, we will find your peace surrounding us. As we prepare to leave this place, we are filled with your grace; may your light shine through us in the deepest darkness, that everyone we meet would know your love for them. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Divine Light of our journey - in a spirit of gratitude we give thanks for this time at your Holy Table. This time at the Table has filled us with strength, knowing that as we continue on this Lenten journey, we will find your peace surrounding us. As we prepare to leave this place, we are filled with your grace; may your light shine through us in the deepest darkness, that everyone we meet would know your love for them. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Sending:
Sending:
Sending Forth/Benediction - MB
Sending Forth/Benediction - MB
One: Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to: walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God; walk in peace, under the shelter of the Most High; walk in faith, knowing Christ walks with you. Amen.
One: Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to: walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God; walk in peace, under the shelter of the Most High; walk in faith, knowing Christ walks with you. Amen.
Many: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186, 2x) - Debbie & James
Many: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186, 2x) - Debbie & James
Postlude - JamesPassing the Peace/Call to Worship
Postlude - JamesPassing the Peace/Call to Worship
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
One: Jesus began his ministry to the world, led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
One: Jesus began his ministry to the world, led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable places.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable places.
One: In those forty days, and in that place, Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt, and temptation.
One: In those forty days, and in that place, Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt, and temptation.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable choices.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable choices.
One: Jesus left the wilderness, faithful and obedient to God, rejoicing in the One in whom he trusted.
One: Jesus left the wilderness, faithful and obedient to God, rejoicing in the One in whom he trusted.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit on the path to faithfulness and obedience. Amen.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit on the path to faithfulness and obedience. Amen.
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Opening Prayer (in unison)
God of forgiveness, during this Lenten season, enlighten us to walk in truth and love; may we use the freedom your grace has given us to liberate those with burdens too heavy to bear; help us to love others as you love them; and comfort us as we journey with you to the Cross. Amen.
God of forgiveness, during this Lenten season, enlighten us to walk in truth and love; may we use the freedom your grace has given us to liberate those with burdens too heavy to bear; help us to love others as you love them; and comfort us as we journey with you to the Cross. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
Let us pray: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Let us pray: God, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
God of love, you hate nothing you have made and you forgive our sin: Create in us clean hearts, that we may perfectly love you through loving others. And all the beloved said: Amen.
God of love, you hate nothing you have made and you forgive our sin: Create in us clean hearts, that we may perfectly love you through loving others. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
One: This is the story of God for the people of God.
One: This is the story of God for the people of God.
Many: Thanks be to God!
Many: Thanks be to God!
Lenten Candle Liturgy
Lenten Candle Liturgy
As we extinguish this light, we remember that we are dust, and we remember that we are called to die to ourselves, that we may live in Christ.
As we extinguish this light, we remember that we are dust, and we remember that we are called to die to ourselves, that we may live in Christ.
(A candle is extinguished).
(A candle is extinguished).
Let us pray: Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before us and invite us inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons us to see our lives through Christ's eyes and the reality of your love incarnate. Give us the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of the day when we shall all see resurrection. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Let us pray: Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before us and invite us inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons us to see our lives through Christ's eyes and the reality of your love incarnate. Give us the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of the day when we shall all see resurrection. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Please rise in body or in spirit as we sing O Come and Dwell in Me.
Please rise in body or in spirit as we sing O Come and Dwell in Me.
Sing together - O Come and Dwell in Me (UMH #388, v. 1, 2, & 4)Lent is a season that lasts about 40 days, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending with Holy Saturday, and excluding Sundays. The point of Lent is to reflect on Jesus’ time in the wilderness, when he was fasting and he was tempted. The observance of Lent is marked with fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.
Sing together - O Come and Dwell in Me (UMH #388, v. 1, 2, & 4)Lent is a season that lasts about 40 days, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending with Holy Saturday, and excluding Sundays. The point of Lent is to reflect on Jesus’ time in the wilderness, when he was fasting and he was tempted. The observance of Lent is marked with fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.
Lent reminds us that we are all in need of God’s mercy and grace. But more than that, Lent reminds us that we already have God’s mercy and grace, freely given and available to us. Our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent is not a means of earning mercy and grace, but a means of responding to it.
Lent reminds us that we are all in need of God’s mercy and grace. But more than that, Lent reminds us that we already have God’s mercy and grace, freely given and available to us. Our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent is not a means of earning mercy and grace, but a means of responding to it.
Lent reminds us that God already has purified us, washed us white as snow, hidden God’s face from our sin, and wiped away all of our guilty deeds. But this season also reminds us that we need God’s purification, God’s washing. During this season, we acknowledge our deep need for mercy, and we celebrate the fact that we already have mercy.
Lent reminds us that God already has purified us, washed us white as snow, hidden God’s face from our sin, and wiped away all of our guilty deeds. But this season also reminds us that we need God’s purification, God’s washing. During this season, we acknowledge our deep need for mercy, and we celebrate the fact that we already have mercy.
As such, Lent is a gift. It is a somber season (it is the season when we remember Jesus’ journey to the Cross), but even so it is a gift. Whenever mercy, forgiveness, and repentance are possible, we have a gift - so Lent is a gift.
As such, Lent is a gift. It is a somber season (it is the season when we remember Jesus’ journey to the Cross), but even so it is a gift. Whenever mercy, forgiveness, and repentance are possible, we have a gift - so Lent is a gift.
We observe this season in several ways. Tonight, we will participate in several centers at our tables, and we will receive the mark of the Cross in ash on our foreheads. Throughout the next several weeks, we will extinguish candles, fast, give, and pray. You are also invited to walk the Stations of the Cross at some point - the ultimate reminder that we already have God’s grace and mercy.
We observe this season in several ways. Tonight, we will participate in several centers at our tables, and we will receive the mark of the Cross in ash on our foreheads. Throughout the next several weeks, we will extinguish candles, fast, give, and pray. You are also invited to walk the Stations of the Cross at some point - the ultimate reminder that we already have God’s grace and mercy.
The most common way this season is marked is with fasting. Fasting is a good spiritual practice, and it reminds us of what we can go without.
The most common way this season is marked is with fasting. Fasting is a good spiritual practice, and it reminds us of what we can go without.
But fasting is not meant to be miserable. Especially through the pandemic, we have already given up so much - so if you feel like giving something up this Lenten season will be a burden, then don’t. It is okay to choose not to fast.
But fasting is not meant to be miserable. Especially through the pandemic, we have already given up so much - so if you feel like giving something up this Lenten season will be a burden, then don’t. It is okay to choose not to fast.
But if you do fast something, remember that hospitality trumps piety. What this means is that hospitality and relationships with others come before your fast. If, for example, you choose to fast coffee this season, and you go to a friend’s house and they offer you some coffee, just drink the coffee. Don’t launch into a long explanation about your fast and why you can’t drink it - just accept the coffee. And enjoy every sip.
But if you do fast something, remember that hospitality trumps piety. What this means is that hospitality and relationships with others come before your fast. If, for example, you choose to fast coffee this season, and you go to a friend’s house and they offer you some coffee, just drink the coffee. Don’t launch into a long explanation about your fast and why you can’t drink it - just accept the coffee. And enjoy every sip.
We can also fast from ideas instead of things. You could fast from the myth of scarcity (the belief that there is not enough) by practicing appreciating what you have. You could fast from the myth of productivity (the belief that our worth comes from what we do/how useful we are) by practicing rest.
We can also fast from ideas instead of things. You could fast from the myth of scarcity (the belief that there is not enough) by practicing appreciating what you have. You could fast from the myth of productivity (the belief that our worth comes from what we do/how useful we are) by practicing rest.
Or, if you do not want to give something up, Lent is also a good time to add something to your life. You can add rest; you can add a prayer practice; you can add taking a walk every day or calling old friends or making new friends. A good prayer practice to take up is to read through the daily Psalms, and there is a guide by the front door you can take with you to do so.
Or, if you do not want to give something up, Lent is also a good time to add something to your life. You can add rest; you can add a prayer practice; you can add taking a walk every day or calling old friends or making new friends. A good prayer practice to take up is to read through the daily Psalms, and there is a guide by the front door you can take with you to do so.
The children’s book we will be reading this season talks about making time, making space, and making room. You can observe Lent by making time for yourself or time for others; you can make space by doing some early spring cleaning; you can make room by inviting new friends into your life.
The children’s book we will be reading this season talks about making time, making space, and making room. You can observe Lent by making time for yourself or time for others; you can make space by doing some early spring cleaning; you can make room by inviting new friends into your life.
All of this to say - you have options. Lent is not rigid and miserable. It is somber, but it is a gift. Receive it and appreciate it as such.
All of this to say - you have options. Lent is not rigid and miserable. It is somber, but it is a gift. Receive it and appreciate it as such.
Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and giving. And maybe all you have to give is your broken spirit - and if that is you, then that is okay. God receives your brokenness as a gift.
Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and giving. And maybe all you have to give is your broken spirit - and if that is you, then that is okay. God receives your brokenness as a gift.
With all of that being said, welcome to Lent. May this season be a time of solace for you; may it be a time of peace for you; may it be a time of reflection and learning and growth for you.
With all of that being said, welcome to Lent. May this season be a time of solace for you; may it be a time of peace for you; may it be a time of reflection and learning and growth for you.
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