Two years ago, in the midst of Lent 2020, life as we knew it was disrupted by the onset of a worldwide pandemic. Far from a short-term incident, this historic event found its way into each and every life, weaving itself into our stories in ways large and small.
We encountered unexpected uncertainty, unrest, distrust, loss, grief and tension. Emotions like frustration, anger, worry, disappointment, loneliness and despair lived within us alongside celebrations, blessings, joy, challenges, opportunities and growth.
As a faith community, we can be confident that God is always renewing us! Each and every person’s life story (especially in the midst of a pandemic) is a precious glimpse of our collective story, enveloped in God’s much larger story of deep love and grace, new beginnings and great hope.
During Lent 2022, as a community, we are intentionally gathering stories from every household in the congregation.
Why?
As we tell our stories, we affirm that God is fully present in daily life, at work through it all. Naming life’s ups and downs is a way of inviting each other into our lives, of providing encouragement. Understanding our community’s stories helps us see how and where God is at work, what prayers are needed. Opportunities to offer care and support and to serve become clearer. Connections deepen among us.
Lent at First Lutheran Church will include unique opportunities to reflect on our stories, anchored by Wednesday worship and the tender liturgy of Holden Village’s “Prayers Around the Cross.”
Here’s what’s ahead
- Lenten midweek worship (March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6 at noon and 6:30 pm) will include reflections by members of the congregation.
- My Story. Our Story. God’s Story., a story-collecting outreach, will provide every household with a small blank canvas for use in representing themes from their two-year journey. The canvas is uniquely yours to design. Photos, words cut from printed materials, Bible verses, small objects, images from magazines, symbols, drawings, blocks of color, hymn lyrics can be incorporated. A short description of the themes or stories represented on the canvas is requested.
- The canvases, gathered by April 1, will form a large mosaic that will be displayed at the church. Descriptions will be linked to every canvas by a QR code, making each story viewable using a smartphone. Printed copies will be available for reflection.
In the weeks ahead, look for more details about how you can contribute to the My Story. Our Story. God’s Story. all-congregation mosaic. And, get ready to answer the question, “What’s Your Story?”
