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Together: Beyond Fasting for Lent

Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts. Later, the 40-day season became a time of repentance, fasting, and preparation for all Christians. Today, Lent is a time to focus on our relationship with God, growing as disciples, and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others. Is your church doing something unique during this season of Lent? Click here to tell us all about it. 

Online engagement ideas for Lent

• Lent is a time of reflection and a time many individuals seek ways to deepen their spiritual relationships. Here are some creative ways churches can engage members and potential visitors during Lent.

Lent Photo-a-day

• Any Lent devotional is simply an invitation to reflect on God's presence and movement in our personal lives through the season. During each day of Lent, a scripture-inspired word will be presented for your consideration. You’re invited to pause, reflect, and post a response on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Your post should illustrate how you perceive each word of the day. No explanation needed. You can share a photo, video, poem or even a simple thought. Make sure to tag Rethink Church on your posts with #rethinkchurch. 

A Season of Reflection: Lenten Studies to Prepare for Easter's Celebrations 

• In this webinar series, A Season of Reflection: Lenten Studies to Prepare for Easter's Celebrations, pastors and authors, Magrey deVega, Adam Hamilton, and Susan Robb join Nicole Caldwell-Gross in conversation about their new Bible studies. Be inspired in your own ministry by these behind-the-scenes talks before you begin this year’s Lent and Easter celebrations with your own churches. Click here for assistance logging into Amplify Media.

Ten ideas for a more meaningful Ash Wednesday 

• Ash Wednesday is Feb. 14 this year. It is an important day in the church calendar as it marks the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation for the celebration of Easter. Here are some ways to help us remember the holy in our routines. 

Beyond fasting: Ten tips for a more meaningful Lent 

• For many, this season leading up to Easter will be weeks of giving up something they enjoy or spending extra time in devotions and prayer. Others may want to find another way of observing this holy season. Consider trying one or more of the following creative ideas for the days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

Six-week Lenten study: Civic Engagement Bootcamp 

• Sign-up to take part in a virtual learning experience starting Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 12 p.m. The bootcamp is designed specifically for faith leaders serving in Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Over six weeks, participating faith leaders will be introduced and reinforce practical and informative ways to engage with public policy and ecclesial polity.  

Devotions for each day of Lent

• Are you ready for Lent? The Sanctuary for Lent 2024, written by the Rev. Abigail Browka, will help you prepare for the 40-day season. The publication includes a suggested scripture, a short devotion, and a prayer or practice for each day of Lent.

  These pocket-sized devotionals are ideal for sharing with friends, family, or mailing to homebound church members (they fit in an envelope). Affordable at just $1 each! Order by Jan. 30 for timely delivery. Journey through Lent and prepare to experience the joy of the resurrection by ordering your copy today.

Imagining No Racism during Lent

• Lent is a great time to reflect on some of the challenging realities of our society. And what better way to do so than joining the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) for an Imagine No Racism study session. Start your journey in addressing and dismantling racism through a six-session small group study via Zoom, Feb. 16-Mar. 22. Each 90-minute session includes a strong connection to scripture and prayer and builds on prior sessions.  

Syracuse United Methodist Ministries is publishing a Lenten Devotional for 2024 

• Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (SUMM) is preparing to release their 2024 Lenten Devotional with the theme "Re," exploring concepts like Remember, Repentance, Return, Reclaim, Rebirth, Renewal, Reflect, and Resurrection. This devotional will feature daily reflections from Syracuse clergy, church members, Bishop Héctor, and Finger Lakes and Crossroads District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood. SUMM welcomes churches throughout the UNY Conference to participate in this journey and invites everyone to pre-order their copy before the Feb. 1 deadline.