Lent

Stations of Reparations honor Black church history

The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey pauses annually during Lent to reflect on the effect of systemic racism on its Black parishes. Along with acknowledging its own history, the diocese has worked for reparations at the state level with religious and secular organizations.

By Annette John-Hall Journalist

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This year, Lent feels overwhelming

Exhausted by living with disability, a writer reflects on the watching and waiting that are part of the Lenten season — and her daily life.

By Allison Backous Troy Writer and educator

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What the history of bread making teaches us about rest, curiosity and joy

A writer who teaches bread baking as a spiritual practice reflects on human touch, innovation and lessons from Genesis.

By Kendall Vanderslice Author

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How do you care for federal workers losing their livelihoods and vocations?

Soup, a reserve fund and protests — these are some ways that a church in Atlanta is responding to families reliant on jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By David Lewicki Co-pastor, North Decatur Presbyterian Church

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What chronic illness can teach us during Lent

For people with chronic illness, ever-present pain reminds us that the point of Lent isn’t to suffer but to transform hurt.

By Amanda Martínez Beck Author

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Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield: Exodus and the season of Lent both call us to action

In their new Lenten study, a pastor and a theologian in Louisville invite a practice of activism, one step at a time.

How to manage the Judas in all of us

All Christian leaders are vulnerable to the discontent and disillusionment that plagued Judas. There are ways to check that, especially during Lent, writes the associate program director for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By James Wesley Dennis III Executive Pastor, Watson Grove Baptist Church

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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 Writer and educator

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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 Missioner for discipleship, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina

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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.