The Season of Lent

The season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and self-examination in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. It is a period of 40 days — like the flood of Genesis, Moses’ sojourn at Mount Sinai, Elijah’s journey to Mount Horeb, Jonah’s call to Ninevah to repent and Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness. (The Sundays in Lent are not counted in this reckoning of the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter, as every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.)

In the early church, Lent was a time of preparation for the celebration of baptism at the Easter Vigil. In many communities of faith it remains a time to equip and nurture candidates for baptism and confirmation and to reflect deeply on the theme of baptismal discipleship. 

The Companion to the Book of Common Worship (Geneva Press, 2003  110-111) speaks to essence of what Lent is:

What we hear during Lent is the power and possibility of the paschal mystery (Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection), and that the way of the cross, the way to Easter, is through death. To appropriate the new life that is beyond the power of death means we must die with Christ who was raised for us. To live for Christ, we must die with him. New life requires a daily surrendering of the old life, letting go of the present order, so that we may embrace the new humanity. “I die every day!” asserts Paul (1 Corinthians 15:31). Resurrection necessitates death as a preceding act. The church’s peculiar Lenten claim is that in dying we live, that all who are baptized into Christ are baptized into his death. To be raised with Christ means one must also die with Christ. In order to embrace the resurrection, we must experience the passion of Jesus. The way of the cross, the way to Easter, is through death of the “old self.” In dying, we live.

Therefore, at the beginning of Lent, we are reminded that our possessions, our rulers, our empires, our projects, our families and even our lives do not last forever. “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). The liturgies throughout Lent try to pry loose our fingers, one by one, from presumed securities and plunge us into unknown baptismal waters, waters that turn out to be not only our death tomb but surprisingly our womb of life. Rather than falling back into nothingness, we fall back on everlasting arms. Death? How can we fear what we have already undergone in baptism?

It is the power of the resurrection on the horizon ahead that draws us into repentance toward the cross and tomb. Through the intervention of God’s gracious resurrection, lifelong changes in our values and behavior become possible. By turning from the end of the “old self” in us, Lenten repentance makes it possible for us to affirm joyfully, “Death is no more!” and to aim toward the landscape of the new age. Faithfully adhering to the Lenten journey of “prayer, fasting and almsgiving” leads to the destination of Easter.

During the final week, Holy Week, we hear the fullness of Christ’s passion, his death, and resurrection. From Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and on to the Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday), all of Holy Week focuses on the passion. As his followers, we travel Christ’s path of servanthood through the Lord’s Supper and the suffering of the cross toward the glory of Easter, all of which underscores the inseparable link between the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The traditional practices of Lent, drawn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, are almsgiving (charity) (Matthew 6:2–4), prayer (Matthew 6:5–15), and fasting (Matthew 6:16–18).

Sources: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/christianyear/worship-resources-lent/

http://www.fpcgreensboro.org/lent-2018

http://www.catholic.org/lent/abfast.php

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/curriculum/ideas-magazine/lenten-practices-101/

There are many resources available to assist adults, youth and children travel a meaningful journey through Lent.  Sherwood has devotionals and guides available at the church.  There are also some wonderful resources available online.  One of the best is www.d365.org.

"This online devotional experience is written especially for students and seeks to provide reflections on themes that impact our faith journey. d365's mission is to create a quiet space for meditation and prayer.

d365 is made possible through individual gifts and the support of three denominational sponsors: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Episcopal Church.

Although devotions are available every day of the year, we highlight our common liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent through the special series Following the Star and Journey to the Cross."

Give It Up for Lent

What can YOU give up for Lent?

During Lent, we as Christians are given a unique opportunity to prepare our hearts to receive the Paschal Mystery of Christ (His passion, death, and resurrection). When we give up something for Lent, we endure our sacrifice as a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. When we add something to our daily lives, we experience the sacrifice of carrying our cross in a deeper way. This Lenten season, embrace the call of the Church and of Christ in making room for the Lord in your heart.

In order to decide what to give up for Lent, you should first identify the things in your life that have taken over. Sit down and pray about what has become a controlling factor of your life. It could easily be a food, activity, or object. Once you have determined what you need to remove from your life (even if it is only for the duration of Lent) you can decide if it is something you can or should give up completely or simply decrease its presence in your life. It’s not just a matter of saying, “I really like chocolate, so I should give it up completely.” What you could say is, “I spend far too much time watching television when I should be spending time in prayer or with my family. I am going to decrease my television time and increase the time I spend with my family and with God.”

To guide you in deciding what to give up or add for Lent, see the lists below. Allow your decision to be rooted in prayer and strengthened through Christ. Through this season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, may we come to know the Lord more deeply and recognize all He gives to us each day.

What is turning our eyes from Christ? How can we give up on the old ways to prepare for a new life in Christ?

Fresh Take on Lenten Sacrifices

We recognize that each person is different and seeks unique challenges in their spiritual lives. Here is a list of fresh and relevant approaches to this Lenten season. We offer suggestions in hopes that you find one or many that strike a chord, that challenge you to reconsider your “old” Lenten practices, and that draw you on to holiness.

Ideas for Lent:

• Social Networking. Give it up completely. That won’t work? Challenge yourself to post a spiritually uplifting, though-provoking insight, or heart-felt prayer each day. Perhaps you could limit your time on each site—don’t waste time pouring over the lives of others when your life is pretty sweet.
• Clothing. Ok, don’t forgo clothing this Lent. Instead, try not to purchase any new clothing during Lent. Your friends probably have nice duds. Borrow theirs!
• Coffee. Think you can go without it? Try limiting your intake during the week—maybe only two or three times a week. Give up going to your favorite place. When paying for your cup of joe, put down an extra $5 for the person ordering after you.
• Books/Movies/Magazines. Maybe you feel like you could give up watching so many movies or flipping through magazines. If you’re an avid purchaser of books, movies, and magazines, challenge yourself to use your local library. They can find anything you’re looking for. Expect to pay nothing (apart from fines you may rack up) or a small fee (new releases), and your expenses will be minimal compared to the “check-out” price.
• Charity. Help out those in need. Maybe you could tithe to your church or a favorite charity. Do some research—plenty of places around town could use a hard-working volunteer.
  
  Whatever you decide to take on or give up for Lent, we challenge you to commit yourself to the season and remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. In changing up some of our daily routines, we’re forced to re-think the muscle memory in our lives. Why do we do what we do? Perhaps you’ll remember what Lent is truly about and how you’re growing closer to God through each day and each sacrifice.
   
  Source: http://higherthings.org/myht/articles/catechesis/give-it-up-for-lent
   
  https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/should-i-give-up-something-for-lent.html

What can Children give up for Lent?

Giving up things for Lent is not just for adults; it's for everyone! Children can participate in the Lenten season in similar ways. They can give up things during Lent or do special things for themselves and others. While it is important for parents or teachers to guide children in deciding what to give up, children themselves should participate in deciding what they want to give up. And no, giving up chores or homework is not an option! Typically, children give up candy, video games, television, and other electronics or activities they do or use on a daily basis. Instead of giving up these things, they could spend time in daily prayer, help the less fortunate, or do more chores around the house. As a parent or teacher, you could encourage children to practice spiritual discipline during Lent, rather than giving something up. They should be challenged to find new ways to give service to others, to pray more, or to sacrifice for the Lord.

Things Children could give or add for Lent:

• Television (or certain shows)
• Video games
• Computer (games, social networking, etc.)
• Fighting with siblings
• Being disrespectful to parents
• Lying
• Soft drinks
• Sweets/Candy

• Being nice to friends/classmates/teachers
• Doing homework on time
• Doing chores
• Going to bed on time
• Reading the Bible
• Saving money/allowance to give the Church/charity
• Sharing with others
• Paying attention during Church
   
  For some other great ideas for kids and Lent check out:
  Out of the Box Ideas for Lent:  https://www.yourmodernfamily.com/10-lent-ideas/
  https://feelslikehomeblog.com/2016/02/16-simple-lent-activities-for-kids-for-all-christians/