On February 4, many pastors in the Penn West Conference are gathering for a Pre-Lent Retreat. Our retreat is to prepare ourselves to offer spiritual presence and leadership during Lent. We will nourish our relationship with God and our pilgrimage with Jesus.
The theme for the retreat is, "Who are you bringing to Lent this year?"
Lent tends to be a season of work for most of us. We lead others through the 40 days of preparation before Holy Week and Easter. This year, let us be intentional about bringing ourselves to Lent so that we might be ready for the passion and resurrection of Jesus.
But who is it that we bring this year – the one we believe we are – the one others tell us we are – the one we try to be – the one we fear we are? Through a gentle, deepening day together, we will have the opportunity to open ourselves to scripture, poetry, journaling, silence, worship and sharing. Then, the person we bring to Lent this year will be the one known and beloved by God.
I see the day as being gentle and deepening, a change of place, and the time for spiritual reflection and prayer. These are among the most essential dynamics for spiritual growth. Yet, the practice of the ministry itself too often crowds spiritual disciples and finding time is difficult. Lent is an especially busy season as ministers prepare and lead special Lenten services, Holy Week worship, and Easter.
The question is a wonderful one for all, "Who are you bringing to Lent this year?"
In the coming weeks of Lent and Holy Week, we will post on the Penn West Conference web and send through our eNewsletter, weekly reflections and prayers. These reflections and prayers are the inspiration of ministers in the United Church of Christ National Ministries and in our Conference. Our prayer is that your journey in Lent will deepen and enlarge your experiences through God’s Realm of Love in Jesus Christ.
Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2010
The starkness of the weather, the destruction in Haiti , the continuing financial crisis, poverty, violence and a seemingly never ending stream of bad news is the backdrop for this Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The ashes on the forehead are a visible sign of our entering this holy time of self examination, of prayer and self reflection. These ashes also remind us that, despite all the signs of ruin and sadness we see around us, that our trust ultimately begins and ends with God, in whom we find our life, our rest, our solace and our hope – even when things around us seem insurmountable.
I also think of the ashes that many of us will receive today as an expression of a personal intent; my intent is to slow down and take more time to focus on my spiritual life, to ask perhaps in a new ways, what is God calling me to be and do. To be honest, I’m not all that good at what some might call “the inward journey”, so this will require a discipline that continues to challenge me. I suspect that the lenten journey, that I begin today may be different from yours, but God joins us all, no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. My prayer is that especially through these days of lent, we will all draw closer to God, not just for ourselves, but so that our lives will be brighter lights, stronger more effective living witnesses to the God of love and mercy and justice.
Gracious and loving God,
"As we begin this season of lent, we thank you that you are right here beside us, comforting, challenging supporting and calling us to deeper places, riskier places, places where your love and light have yet to be seen or experienced. We ask your guidance on this journey as every step of the way moves us closer to you and to Easter."
Edith Guffy
Associate General Minister
United Church of Christ