For centuries, the Church has entered Lent as a season of holy realignment, shaped by the ancient practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These rhythms steady us and draw us again toward the heart of God as we prepare for Easter, reminding us that transformation is both a gift and an invitation. In prayer, especially through confession and lament, God clarifies our sight, revealing the places of hunger within us and the fractures present in the world around us. In fasting, we loosen our attachment to what fills our lives so that love has room to take root. In almsgiving, mercy takes on flesh as we offer our resources, our presence, and our attention for the flourishing of others.

This year, we observe Lent with a shared emphasis: Lent for Good. Lenten practices do more than nurture personal renewal. They cultivate within us Easter-shaped hearts, forming people who live and sacrifice for the good of their relationships, their neighbors, and the communities God has entrusted to them. As we walk these weeks side by side, we trust that God will form us into a people who do not merely speak of neighbor love but embody it with quiet courage and steady faithfulness.

Whether this season is long familiar or newly discovered, you are invited to step into this journey with us as we seek renewal not only for ourselves, but for the life of the world. Read on for more info on how to join our communal Lent observance below and listen to this podcast from our pastoral team to hear how Lent will inform our gatherings.

Fasting and Prayer Together

As a church we’re going to observe a daily food fast from 10-4 p.m. Monday through Friday from Ash Wednesday, February 18 until Good Friday, April 3. While we put aside food we will pick up time together with a daily zoom prayer call from 12-12:30 p.m. during our fasting days. This will be a short time of intercessory prayer and scripture reading.

As with all practices, fasting requires wisdom and discernment. If health concerns prohibit you from observing a food fast, consider what love or indulgence the Spirit is inviting you to lay down in order to cultivate the fruit of self-control.

Give Together

Each Sunday throughout Lent, we will lift up a specific organization or local cause and dedicate our plate offering to it as a shared practice of almsgiving. This generosity is offered above our ongoing commitment to the life and needs of our church, creating space for us to come prayerfully ready to turn outward together in tangible love.

Feast Together

As those who have received the grace of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we observe Lent as people longingly anchored in a secured future hope. Each Sunday from February 22 through March 29 becomes a feast within the fast. We lay down our fasting and have a weekly reminder that Christ has set us free and is even now restoring our disordered longings.

After every service, the gathering space will remain open for a shared potluck meal. Neighborhood Groups will ensure there is a main dish, but you’re encouraged to bring something to share. Drinks, plates and utensils will be provided.

Observing as Families

We encourage parents and guardians to help their children observe Lent. To support this, we have prepared a home resource designed to help families engage the season with clarity and intention.

At the center of the guide is a “road trip” framework that helps children understand the movement of Lent as a journey toward the cross and resurrection. Using an interactive map and a movable figure of Jesus, families trace the path day by day, offering a tangible reminder that we are following Christ together rather than rushing ahead to Easter. Along the way, the resource introduces meaningful practices such as confession, repentance, fasting, and service, providing families language to anchor conversations that help little ones recognize how God forms us through small, faithful steps.

Printed copies will be available at church gatherings the first Wednesday and Sunday of Lent while supplies last.