You had me at (not on Facebook)! Thank you for giving us a community option that doesn’t include wading through that online cesspool. Looking forward to spending time with you and your beautiful, thoughtful words
This is the sermon my brother delivered on Sunday. He’s a pastor of an American Orthodox Church in Salem, MA. It was comforting to me, so I’ll share it.
I grew up Southern Baptist....like for realz. I did all the things. Super Summer camps, Baptist University, summer missions through the home mission board in high school and college, and 2 years in China after college. I am heartbroken by what my church has become. I no longer attend a southern baptist church. I have come to realize that I am grieving a loss. I'm 47 and feel like I'm a boat without a way to the shore. I honestly don't really know what Lent actually is. I mean I have a vague idea. I'm in Texas, so I always thought it was a Catholic practice. Like give up soda or candy and don't eat meat on Fridays. I am going to try and actually "do" Lent....but can you give me a small idea of what it actually is....other than the basic "give up an activity or food item for several weeks".
Melinda, I totally understand this - this was me! Big time Southern Baptist before I became Anglican. The idea is to kind of prepare yourself for Easter (on the church calendar, the season of Easter actually lasts 50!) by fasting on something that keeps you from dependency on God. It's a way to be near to Christ by emulating his 40 days in the wilderness. I'd love to answer any more specific questions for you, so ask away!
Erin, do you have a recommendation for a book or something else that explains the practice and it's origins? I understand the general idea and get how this spiritual practice helps bring you closer to God. As you know from our shared background, there is really nothing like this practiced in Baptist churches. I am so drawn to things right now that can bring me comfort and God's peace through....well I don't know how to put into words what I mean. I find myself saying the same scriptures over and over and praying the same way. I guess I'm looking for more structure and even peace in having some prayers that are collective....? Does that even make sense?
I, too, grew up Southern Baptist - and understand your hesitancy. I have found, though, that Lent is a refreshing time of the year. It's not about giving up something you love to show how much you love Jesus or giving up a sin to look better. For me it's learning about sacrifice....which is so very hard, but it's what Jesus did for us. It's making more space in your life for Him. One year I gave up watching TV by myself - I would watch with the family, but not alone. Instead I used that "free" time to read more, to study the Bible, pray more.
Thank you....that is a beautiful way to think about it. I keep filling my time with all the things so I don't have to think..you know? But I have felt God pulling me and whispering that I need to think and read and sit with Him more. So this is a great way to have some structure to help me get back into that practice.
I haven't been so happy to give someone my money for something in a long time. Things feel hard right now and I feel like "celebrating" Lent gives us communal permission to lean into that but also to remind us that this isn't the end. The battle was already won. Looking forward to walking through this study and season together!
I’m so excited about this. I love your Lenten studies. I’m always on the periphery, I’m the worst with engagement. I’ll “like” and “heart” all the things but never comment and tend to keep my mind to myself. But I still love that this community exists and can be apart of it. Thank you for doing the work of thinking, creating, writing, and executing something so meaningful.
Well hello friends! Just bought my copy of MM! Never done a lent study/guide - SO excited to do this with y’all!
Just preordered!!!!! 🙌🏼❤️
You had me at (not on Facebook)! Thank you for giving us a community option that doesn’t include wading through that online cesspool. Looking forward to spending time with you and your beautiful, thoughtful words
So looking forward to hearing your voice.
When does this begin?
Hi Rachel! Lent begins February 17, but we'll technically start the community on February 14th!
So pumped Erin!!! :) Thank you for creating such an amazing community!
Thanks Dedra!
I’m looking forward to going through this new Lent guide❤️🙏🏾
A new Lent guide from Erin?! I’m in for sure !!!
Thank you, Katherine!
This is the sermon my brother delivered on Sunday. He’s a pastor of an American Orthodox Church in Salem, MA. It was comforting to me, so I’ll share it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9oKaqzQMIJk
I think this is a good thing to spend some of my stimulus money on!
Yay Liz!
yea!!! Bought mine and am excited!
Thank you, Kelley!
I grew up Southern Baptist....like for realz. I did all the things. Super Summer camps, Baptist University, summer missions through the home mission board in high school and college, and 2 years in China after college. I am heartbroken by what my church has become. I no longer attend a southern baptist church. I have come to realize that I am grieving a loss. I'm 47 and feel like I'm a boat without a way to the shore. I honestly don't really know what Lent actually is. I mean I have a vague idea. I'm in Texas, so I always thought it was a Catholic practice. Like give up soda or candy and don't eat meat on Fridays. I am going to try and actually "do" Lent....but can you give me a small idea of what it actually is....other than the basic "give up an activity or food item for several weeks".
Melinda, I totally understand this - this was me! Big time Southern Baptist before I became Anglican. The idea is to kind of prepare yourself for Easter (on the church calendar, the season of Easter actually lasts 50!) by fasting on something that keeps you from dependency on God. It's a way to be near to Christ by emulating his 40 days in the wilderness. I'd love to answer any more specific questions for you, so ask away!
Erin, do you have a recommendation for a book or something else that explains the practice and it's origins? I understand the general idea and get how this spiritual practice helps bring you closer to God. As you know from our shared background, there is really nothing like this practiced in Baptist churches. I am so drawn to things right now that can bring me comfort and God's peace through....well I don't know how to put into words what I mean. I find myself saying the same scriptures over and over and praying the same way. I guess I'm looking for more structure and even peace in having some prayers that are collective....? Does that even make sense?
Also, yes! That is what the Lent Primer is - it's a total guide for everyone who has never done it before.
Here's two books that I have learned from and enjoyed: The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent Paperback
by Aaron Damiani & 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast by Alicia Britt Chole
Thank you! I will check that out.
Also, when I go to purchase it, is there a way to pay for me and also give one to someone else ?
Not sure.....🤷♀️
Melinda, I'm working on that right now! There will be soon!
I, too, grew up Southern Baptist - and understand your hesitancy. I have found, though, that Lent is a refreshing time of the year. It's not about giving up something you love to show how much you love Jesus or giving up a sin to look better. For me it's learning about sacrifice....which is so very hard, but it's what Jesus did for us. It's making more space in your life for Him. One year I gave up watching TV by myself - I would watch with the family, but not alone. Instead I used that "free" time to read more, to study the Bible, pray more.
Thank you....that is a beautiful way to think about it. I keep filling my time with all the things so I don't have to think..you know? But I have felt God pulling me and whispering that I need to think and read and sit with Him more. So this is a great way to have some structure to help me get back into that practice.
Yippie-ki-yay I’m in!! Erin’s community gatherings are my church🥰
Thanks, Traci!
I haven't been so happy to give someone my money for something in a long time. Things feel hard right now and I feel like "celebrating" Lent gives us communal permission to lean into that but also to remind us that this isn't the end. The battle was already won. Looking forward to walking through this study and season together!
Yes, let's gooooooooo.
I’m so excited about this. I love your Lenten studies. I’m always on the periphery, I’m the worst with engagement. I’ll “like” and “heart” all the things but never comment and tend to keep my mind to myself. But I still love that this community exists and can be apart of it. Thank you for doing the work of thinking, creating, writing, and executing something so meaningful.
That is A-OK, Katy. Just glad you're with us in whatever form that takes!
I 100% agree with everything you said! ❤️
Thank you for this, Erin. *raises hand* weary doubter here. I look forward to the comfort that your words always are.
Thank you, Hope! I'm always so comforted and encouraged by this community!