Lent 2022: Full to the Brim

Dearly Beloved,

How fully are you living? 

This is not a question we usually ask during Lent. This time of year, we usually ask ourselves, “What should I empty from my life? ”, “How might I fast from what I don’t need?” or “How might I pour out my heart to God in prayer?”  

We do not usually ask ourselves, “how can I lean in?”, “What could I take up?,” or “how can I fully embrace the blessing of this life?” Personally, I’m embracing God’s abundance as I take up the calling to be your senior pastor, and my cup overflows!

But the truth is, we’ve mostly been living in a world of Lenten abstinence and decrease since March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. Ever since, we’ve cut back on everyday joys, sacrificed gathering with others, and relinquished easier ways of living. So we don’t need another season that leads to more emptying; instead, we need a time for embracing God’s outpouring love until our lives are full to the brim.

We will begin our Lenten journey this Wednesday when we will impose ashes to passers-by in a simple “Drive-by” service from 12-1 PM. Later, we will hold an Ash Wednesday service in-person and online at 7 PM. 

Like the ancient catechumens (converts to Christianity in the Early Church), we will take the following 40 days to eagerly ask all our faith questions, to feast on God’s word, and to fill our lives with Christ until they are full to the brim. So we pray you take advantage of our printed Lenten prayer cards, devotional booklets, and life assessment worksheets, as well as our weekly Zoom Meditative Coloring Class on our Lenten Artwork Wednesdays at 7 PM, our Lent Blessing Bags for kids, our Holy Week worship services, along with our social media inspirations, and our Lenten prayer text messages. Our cup is truly overflowing with resources to guide you on this journey!  

So give this new take on Lent a try. See how your life might be transformed by pouring in God’s love until it’s full to the brim. Examine the ways you could embrace God’s gifts in all areas of your life. Feast with your friends at the table of Love. And rather than giving one more thing up, may you take up the Way, loving and serving Christ with all of your heart.

Much heart, 
Rev. Anna