Prepare for Lent 2013

We might just be packing away the last our Christmas decorations, but Lent is just around the corner starting with Ash Wednesday on February 13. The season of Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and self-examination in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter.

In the early church, Lent was a time of preparation for the celebration of baptism at the Easter Vigil. In many communities of faith it remains a time to equip and nurture candidates for baptism and confirmation and to reflect deeply on the theme of baptismal discipleship.

Below are links to resources that can help you and your congregation as they journey together through Lent.

If your church is planning out the worship services during Lent, you might want to go to the Lenten Worship Resources page of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

The PC(USA) Church Store has a number of devotionals and books to keep you busy during the Season.

The Presbyterian Mission Agency has a number of resources available including:

A Lenten Fast: In Lent this year, we are asking Presbyterians to sit with what global partners and some U.S. farmers are saying by reading meditations, study questions and analyses that illustrate one aspect of this crisis in five nations for the five Sundays of Lent.

Tread Lightly for Lent: As part of the reflective season of Lent, Environmental Ministries is offering a calendar that encourages Presbyterians to learn about ecojustice issues and take action on the issues of waste, energy, water, consumption and food. Each of the 40 days of Lent has a topic to learn about or a suggested action for individuals and congregations.

Stations of the Cross Service: This multisensory, peripatetic service in the tradition of the stations of the cross includes scriptures appropriate for a Reformed church.

Ways to Celebrate the Three Days:  Use these ideas to observe Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.