Though Lent is an ancient tradition, it powerfully speaks to our modern condition because it calls us not to observe a ritual, but to engage in renewal.
Lent is the season that... calls us back to God, back to basics, back to the spiritual realities of life. It calls us to put to death the sin and the indifference we have in our hearts toward God and our fellow persons. And it beckons us to enter once again into the joy of the Lord–the joy of a new life born out of a death to the old life.
Join us as we go on the deeper journey together!
Fasting is removing aspects of our daily lives to create space for God to move in new and fresh ways. As with other spiritual disciplines, fasting is a way of doing the small things we can do, to make room for God to do what we cannot do for ourselves. Christians fast during Lent as a means of reflection, intentionally realigning our lives to the path of Christ. As we choose to refrain from aspects of regular daily life, there is a new opportunity to live simply in order to have more space to examine our lives, pray for others, and have more resources to give more generously to the poor. “Fasting perfectly” is not the point, nor is it to earn a sense of accomplishment before God or others. Rather, it is a humble exercise, seeking to know God and
ourselves in the quiet and slower spaces of our noisy and fast paced lives. All who are a part of the Renew Church community are invited to join in this time of Lenten reflection and intentional spiritual growth through prayer and fasting. We will divide the 6 weeks of Lent into three sections of two weeks each, and in each section we will choose to refrain from an element of daily life, in order to make space for God to move and renew our hearts and minds. You may choose to follow the themes below, or use them as a guide for fasting during Lent in a way that you
feel led to pursue. We fast Monday-Saturday, and break our fast each Sunday in recognition and celebration that even in the solemn seasons of life, nothing eclipses the light of the Resurrection, which we especially celebrate on Sunday in worship.
Week 1 and 2: Food (February 14 – March 2)
(examples: fast from one meal a day, or eat only rice and beans for one meal a day, or cut out one food that you go to for comfort. If you are at risk for any health issues, or have any questions about the medical implications of fasting, see your doctor before beginning any fast)
- As you notice your hunger, identify with those who are hungry in our city and around the world. With the money you save by eating simply you are free to give to those who have little food.
Week 3 and 4: Extra Spending (March 3 – March 16)
(examples: online shopping, extraneous spending, luxury and boutique items including fancy food/beverages)
- Take stock of personal spending and shopping. Purchase only essentials. As you spend less, you are free to give generously to the poor.
Week 5 and 6: Media/Entertainment (March 17 – March 30, Easter Vigil at sundown)
(examples: Television, Movies, Social Media, “screen time”)
- As you cut out unnecessary time in front of screens, you are freed for more time to read, pray, and engage with family, friends, colleagues (beyond work) and neighbors. Make new friendship connections and deepen existing relationships.