Lent 2026

The season of Lent is forty days, like the forty years Israel spent wandering the wilderness on its way from slavery to the Promised Land. In that wild landscape – as in our daily lives – what we need may not be what we think: survival skills, smarts, even tenacity. We need God. Jesus called us to “metanoia,” (repentance) a change of mind and heart, as we learn to trust God’s lead and tender care for us. The word “Lent” means “Spring.” A wilderness can be a hard place, but with God will blossom with fresh life and renewal. More about Lent here.

Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, February 18, 7pm
Brief, contemplative, honest, and real. The mark on our forehead reminds of us what we are apart from God’s creative love: dust and ashes. Choir sings and a zoom option will be available.

Thursday Evenings, February 26 – March 26
Drop by when you can to be together, share the journey, pray.

From 6-7pm, soup or other bowl food is on in the fellowship hall. Vegetarian option provided. Sign up online or in the fellowship hall if you’d like to bring soup – if you can’t, we’d still love to have you join us.
7-7:30pm, we’ll circle up in the front the sanctuary and light the lantern for Holden Evening Prayer, a lovely sung service. (In person only)
7:30pm-9pm, choir rehearsal. We’ll be preparing beautiful music for Holy Week and Easter.

The Traditional Lenten Disciplines

First is prayer, as all the ways we say “I need you, God.” In addition to our Slow Read and Bible Study, there will be opportunities to look more deeply at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), a sort of “Discipleship 101” primer centered around the Lord’s Prayer. Select passages will be heard at midweek services, and discussions will be offered. Details coming soon.
Second is giving. We ask God to make us generous, caring people. Aside from our general offering, we can consider giving to the World Hunger Appeal through the LentenChallenge.
Third is fasting. “Giving up something for Lent” isn’t about self-improvement or exercise of willpower, but learning to depend on God’s strength and provision. Maybe it’s food, maybe screen time or something else.

Every Sunday is a Feast Day
A liturgical technicality: in Lent, alleluias aren’t allowed Monday through Saturday (though we don’t use them Sunday – instead singing “Let your steadfast love come to us O Lord …”). In prayers and scriptures in each of the five Sundays in Lent, listen for what God provides in our wilderness journeys – in order: God’s word, faith, water, light, breath.

Holy Week and Easter
Lent culminates the week of Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday (April 5), with special midweek worship and events. There will be many ways to be involved.