Lent

What if faith-based organizations focused on being kinder this Lent?

Institutions, like individuals, might try intentionally practicing “unusual kindness,” writes a director of programs and grants at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Mycal X. Brickhouse Director of programs and grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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Lent is a time to rest in God’s unrelenting love

Language that stresses humanity’s distance from God can be deeply hurtful. I prefer to dwell on our belovedness and God’s unwavering maternal heart, writes an author.

By Jean Neely Scholar and writer

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WOOPing a meaningful Lent: Seeking joy through changing behaviors

A practice to promote well-being offers the possibility of joy despite brokenness, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Kelly Ryan Communications Specialist, The Evaluation and Communications Project at the Center for Congregations

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Michael Gienger and Julia Riley: Our congregation gladly scrambled to help during the Texas winter storm. But we shouldn’t have to do it again.

The deadly storm presents an opportunity for Lenten reflection, self-examination and confession, write two pastors who serve in a hard-hit community.

Michael Gienger Julia Riley

Image link to article: Michael Gienger and Julia Riley: Our congregation gladly scrambled to help during the Texas winter storm. But we shouldn’t have to do it again.

Diana Hall: A call for Lenten action on climate change

Organizations all over the world encourage religious leaders and their communities to explore how the church can work to care for creation.

Gretchen E. Ziegenhals: This Lent, turning again and again to God and one another

When a church turned away from musician Steve Bell and his family, inmates at the federal prison where his father was a chaplain turned toward them, welcoming their brokenness and helping Bell discover a gift from God and a vision for what church can be.

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

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Luke A. Powery: Spirituals teach us about suffering before God

African-American spirituals have given voice to people for whom “Lent was life,” says the dean of Duke Chapel, who has written a new book called “Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals.”

Excerpt: 'Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals'

In this excerpt from his new book, the Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, the dean of Duke University Chapel, offers two Lenten meditations. Each of the book’s daily entries features the lyrics of an African-American spiritual and a brief reflection, along with Scripture readings and a short prayer.