Lent begins this coming Wednesday, February 22^nd with our Ash Wednesday worship service at 7 pm.
 
Our Lenten study will be “Bless the Lent We Actually Have” written by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie and based on their new book, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days.
 
It is a beautiful book, much like their Good Enough book we used last year. It offers creative, faith-based blessings that center gratitude and hope while acknowledging our real, messy lives. The study will be richer if you are able to buy the book, but not necessary. The bible verses, reflection questions and activities will bless you even without reading the blessing for the day. The daily devotional time is designed to be about 20 minutes. Some sessions have supplementary material – a song for listening or one of Kate’s podcasts – which will add to the time needed.
 
This study is free to us. You can assess it by going here:
https://katebowler.com/lent-2023-download/#gf_25
to download the Interactive Guide*. (You can bookmark this link and return to it each day or download the PDF to your computer and save it in your downloads folder.)
*There is also an option for a “printer-friendly” version of the content but will take a lot of paper and ink. The online version is simpler to use and gives you direct access to the supplementary material.
 
Once you are there, read the very helpful notes on the first 5 pages of the guide.  It will prepare you for the study and walk you through how to use the material.
 
It is always a wonderful season to come together with others in our community to reflect on the week’s theme and share our experiences and responses. There are group study guides available for your group either online or printed copies will be available in the Welcome Area before or after worship. If you don’t have a group, one will be gathering following worship each Sunday during Lent. Look for us in the Southeast corner of the social hall after you grab a goodie and cup of coffee.
 
Pastor Kathy will be including content from our readings in her sermons throughout the Lenten season. We hope you will join us!
 
Blessings,
Denise Wylie
Spiritual Formation Team