Dear St. James Community, 

We may have our own notions of what practicing a Lenten discipline means, and often the ways we approach Lent evolve over time. Maybe practicing Lent for you means giving something up that keeps you from attending to God more closely. Maybe practicing Lent for you is adding something that brings you closer to Jesus and the people in your life.  We are each on our own journey with God. We have our own stories and what draws us towards our Creator and what pushes us away. 

 

This Lent I am grateful for the shifting rhythms and the opportunity to be our truest selves; To stand, sit or kneel in front of the cross and offer our whole selves to the Lord; to ask God to use us as instruments of healing, wholeness and grace. I look forward to sharing with you the Devotions we’ve chosen for Lent. 

For all congregants, we have Augsburg Fortress’ simple book of Lenten Devotions called, Water and Spirit: Devotions for Lent 2023. In a season that can feel like a drought–our God enters parched places. We’re reminded that Jesus emphasizes the work of the Spirit through simple elements like water, bread, and broken people.  

Lent can be a powerful time to tell the truth in love, not only to ourselves, but to God and to one another. Another opportunity for reflection and study is Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie’s book, Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection. We are all looking for authenticity in our worship, in our theology, in our relationships. Kate and Jessica speak to the need to give over control, give over the notion that life can or needs to be perfect.  

We will be dwelling with Jesus through this book at our Lenten Soup Suppers starting March 1st at 6:15pm. 

I encourage you to tap into the places and spaces that breathe life into your Spirit and water your garden, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the journey of Lent that ultimately ends in thanksgiving and joy on Easter Sunday. 

​

Pastor Amy