Enough for Everyone

Lenten Living suggestion #11

This year during Lent, I am not consuming any meat, except for fish. My reasons are simple - power and money. Power - my purchasing power is huge, and I do not want to support the current U.S. meat industry because many of its practices are unjust and contribute to the unequal distribution of wealth (and health) in the country. Money - although I believe that there are ways to support good, sustainable, healthful meat producers, I cannot afford to buy organic, humanly raised meat while serving as a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer.

 

-  Katie from Atlanta, GA

Lenten Living suggestion #10

Giving Something to Someone for Lent

As we journey the Lenten path at New Creation Presbyterian Church in O'Fallon IL, we are indeed bringing depth and meaning to this most sacred season.  Instead of the traditional "giving something up for Lent," we are "giving something to someone for Lent."  This year we are sponsoring Fontabella maternity home.  It is a home for unwed mothers that has recently opened in our town. 

Each Sunday during Lent our entire congregation brings baby items to donate.  For instance, this week's specified items are diapers and/or diaper ointment.  At the end of the Lenten season, the children of our congregation will put all the items together in bags.  We are then going to take the kids to deliver these bags to Fontabella.  Along with these items, we will be offering them information about our church.  We pray to not only help support them financially with baby needs, but to also give them spiritual support and help them grow in their faith as they bring another child of God into this world.

-  Jeanna in O'Fallon, IL

Lenten Living suggestion #9

"One of my neighbors is doing this and I think it is a good idea:

-  She lets herself wait before eating until she feels hungry

-  The hunger reminds her of others who don't have the luxury of eating whatever and whenever and however much we want to every day

-  When she feels the hunger, she puts a dollar in a jar

-  At the end of Lent, the money she collects in the jar will be donated to one of the mission programs at her church that helps feed hungry people

This is an easy practice that anyone can do.  It requires some self discipline to change habits and resist temptations, which is what Lent means to me.  (More than just giving something up, it’s learning something new through self-discipline.)"

-  Nora in Green Brook, NJ

Lenten Living suggestion #8

Congregation practice: Good Friday prayer vigil

 

Following our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service we begin a Good Friday prayer vigil, with 1/2 hour blocks.  Members sign up to come to the church sanctuary where they find two chairs at the Communion table.  The table has been covered with a black cloth.  On the table are the following: the table cross on which is hung a crown of thorns, a single lit white Christ candle, a rooster statue, a pair of dice, a cup with vinegar and a piece of natural sponge, a handtowel and basin of water, a bag containing 30 pieces of silver, a Bible opened to the Passion story, large iron nails, a list of the members, and a notepad and pen for writing prayer requests. 

 

A one page note from the pastor includes a few pertinent scriptures and ways to engage in this prayer time (such as praying for those on the list, reading prayers of confession and assurances of pardon, adding names to prayer list, re-reading the Passion story and using objects on the table to focus prayer and contemplation).  There is a low spot light on the wall cross, and the shadow cast appears on the ceiling so as to point from the chancel to the table. 

 

It is a very powerful experience, and the hours from 11 am-6 am are significantly sought after.   

 

-  The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Duke, First Presbyterian Church of Russellville, KY

Lenten Living suggestion #7

Making Space for Haiti

 

Through the Lenten initiative "Observing a Holy Lent Makes Space for Haiti," the people of First Presbyterian Church in Arlington VA are encouraged to undertake a sacrificial meal or eating practice.  Commitments are posted on a bulletin board inviting conversation and support.  Examples include: eating beans and rice for one meal, forgoing meat, giving up bread, eating mindfully, and dining at home. 

 

The congregation is in its second Lenten season of focusing its intention on the people of Haiti. The hunger we experience connects us to those who are truly hungry and reminds us to hunger for the justice of Jesus Christ.  Through this Lenten practice, money saved through disciplined eating can be directed toward Presbyterian Disaster Assistance outreach in Haiti following January's earthquake. 

 

At the beginning of worship each Sunday, everyone who followed through with a Lenten discipline moves a scoop of rice from a huge bag to a pot, located on the chancel.  Some of the rice will be cooked for the church's Palm Sunday Lunch, and the remainder will be donated to the local shelter.

 

-  The Rev. Charlotte H. Lohrenz, Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Arlington VA

Lenten Living suggestion #6

Every Member a Minister

During Lent this year, we are focusing on cultivating discipleship through service.  “Every Member a Minister” invites every member of the congregation to commit to a ministry of service outside the walls of our church.  We’re giving lots of suggestions, but also encouraging creativity (members can design a new project, work with others, etc).  The idea is to seek discernment of one’s ministry during Lent through prayer and research.  Representatives from various outside ministries will be present during coffee hours to answer questions and engage members (we also have written summaries of volunteer service needs on our website and posted on a dedicated bulletin board).  

Once a ministry has been chosen, members fill out a commitment card, which will be posted on the bulletin board.  Each Sunday during Lent, we will have a short “ministry dedication” prayer and each member who has declared a ministry will receive a woven bracelet as a reminder of their “yoke of service.”  

One of the ministry options is a “ministry of prayer,” in which members commit to intentional intercessory prayer for all the ministries and ministers.  They will receive regular updates of the ministries so their prayers can be very specific and so that they will feel part of the ministries.  The discernment of ministry will take place in Lent; accomplishment of the ministry can happen during Lent or later in the Spring or Summer.  Beginning in September, we will include a “witness” in every Sunday worship service which features a different ministry and how it has made a difference in the community and to the minister.  Our twin taglines are “Serves ’em right. . . serves us right!”

- Rev. Dr. Louise Westfall, Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Heights, OH