Lent is a season in the church in which we especially focus on examining our hearts, confessing our sin, and reflecting on the significance of Christ’s death on the cross. Lenten disciplines are a tool in turning our hearts and lives to Christ. Below are some ideas for you, or you may think of some yourself that you will find meaningful.
Take On Worship
- Ash Wednesday Worship: Ash Wednesday’s servicesaare on March 5th at Noon and 6:30 pm.
- Weekly Lenten Midweek Worship: At noon and 6:30pm each Wednesday from March 12 through April 9 with evening vespers service (preceded by fellowship dinner at 5:30.) Our theme this year is “Authority”. We will reflect on the authority of scripture in and on our lives, Christs authority to forgive and our response, the two-kingdoms authority of heaven and earth and our life in both, and the authority God has given us through Christ to love and serve others. May He bless our worship and reflections and may we grow in faith on our Lenten journey.
- Sunday Worship – make it a weekly practice for the six Sundays in Lent. Services are on Saturday at 5:30pm and Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:30 am.
- Daily prayer – Rise 15 minutes early and begin the day in prayer. Head to bed 15 minutes earlier to reflect on the day with prayer.
Give Up – to Sacrifice
- Sacrifice something – perhaps coffee, a movie or a meal out, and give a donation of what you saved to a ministry that cares and serves others.
- Food – give up a particular food item (cookies, chocolate, Starbucks, etc.) or a meal of the week (like lunch on Fridays remembering Christ on the cross from noon to three).
Take on Study of the Word
- Faith Matters – get them for the first time (send a note to sotwatjax@aol.com and request to receive them daily OR, if you’re getting them, read and reflect on them daily)
- Bible Study – Join in on the many Bible Studies we offer. Check the weekly announcements for the most up to date information on days and times.
- Do a 46-night journal for the days of Lent, reflecting each night at the end of the day, how God is at work in your life or how you need Him to come to your aid.
Take on Service
- Look for ways to serve in the ministries of the church listed in the weekly announcements. Participate in the
- Lenten 5-5-5 program (where in 5 weeks, we seek to collect 500 items and $500 for the homeless), help at the Garage Sale (Sat. March 15th), donate food to the Shepherd’s Shelves Food Pantry in the Gathering Area, join the transportation ministry taking shut ins to appointments. There are many ways to serve!
- Seek ways to serve in the community. Perhaps through a food pantry like at Lutheran Social Services, or volunteer at many other great ministries in Jacksonville.
May taking on one or more disciplines for Lent lead to a renewed life of discipleship for us all.