Lent Resources
G’day G’day
I wanted to let you know of a beautiful resource that may help you journey through Lent this year.
Over the last few years a good friend of mine Mark Pierson has developed an annual Lenten and Advent reflection resource, and over the years it’s grown beyond a beautiful palm size hard copy (which I now hold in my hand) into a beautiful online daily reflection. The daily reflection can be checked out via the website http://lentenreflections.org or, if you’d like to you are able to fill in a form at the bottom of the website that will allow you to receive the daily reflection in your email box throughout lent
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You can check this beautiful resource out here: http://lentenreflections.org
While I’m at it you may be keen to check out any/all of these resources that may be of use as you and your faith community journey through Lent in 2012.
a) 40 by Si Smith http://www.proost.co.uk/40
This beautiful resource includes 40 illustrations of Jesus as he experiences 40 days in the desert, these images are stunningly beautiful and simple allowing you to experience a number of different emotions and questions as you journey with Jesus over Lent.
b) Mucky Paws by Roddy Hamilton Abbotsford and the New Kilpatrick congregations in Scotland http://newkilpatrickblog.typepad.com/nk-blogging/ and http://abbotsford.typepad.com/abbotsford/
The blog sites are full of liturgies and reflections written by Roddy Hamilton that he has used in his worshipping community in Scotland. I’ve included a couple of documents which are collections called “Mucky Paws” in this email for your use/interest.
c) Experiences of Jesus, a Lenten Bible study http://www.ucaqld.com.au/downloads/ExperiencesofJesus.pdf
These resources are offered to Uniting Church congregations in Queensland for study and reflection during Lent or at some other time during the year. The sessions link some biblical texts, passages from the Uniting Church Basis of Union and other writings, with a series of questions designed to focus the participants on their own and other’s experiences of Jesus in the time leading up to Easter.
d) Water for the Journey, a Lenten Bible Study http://craigmitchell.typepad.com/mountain_masala/files/water.pdf
These Bible Studies were originally written for use in Lent in Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary by a good mate of mine, Craig Mitchell. The intention was that study groups would meet during the week, and then hear the Bible passages read on the following Sunday in worship. In this way the studies will help people prepare for worship. This same process may be followed at other times.
e) Must Have Experience, a Lenten Bible Study http://goo.gl/Bg1ch
Six studies are offered to build up those who seek to experience and share their experiences of Jesus Christ. Ideally, these sessions should be used in groups to encourage the formation of people as members of the Body of Christ. As people “build one another up in love” they will experience Jesus Christ in new ways. As many communities undertake special times of Bible Study during Lent, these six studies have been tailored for that purpose. If a congregation is only doing studies for four weeks then it is suggested that studies 1,2,5 & 6 be used. Studies 3 & 4 could be done after Lent. However, they could all be done later than Easter if that suited the local context. At the time of writing, we have been shaken by the news of the Asian Tsunami. This has been taken into account amongst the worship and response suggestions.
f) Lent Event 2012 http://www.lentevent.com
Leading up to Easter Lent Event runs for 40-days. Participants are encouraged forgo an item from their daily lifestyle and donate the money saved so that others are able to live a life of dignity: clean water, nutritious food, elementary education, viable employment and essential healthcare. Check out their resources here http://www.lentevent.com/resources/
g) Faith Family Resources http://ctm.uca.edu.au/page/faith-family-resource
Faith Family is an excellent, quarterly Australian resource containing tips, ideas and resources for nurturing the faith of children. Generally suitable for families with children aged 0 -12, it is especially valuable for the playgroup/pre-school context.
h) UCA – SA Synod Easter & Lent Resources http://goo.gl/lmz5r
Here’s a long list of resources that you may find interesting and helpful to help you create multi age Easter and Lent worship services
i) Children’s Ministry Resources http://childrensministry.org.au
Lenten family blessings – a six week guide for family devotions http://childrensministry.org.au/?p=1585
Fridge Faith for Families, Lent 2012 http://childrensministry.org.au/?p=2341
j) - Lent For Everyone – Mark by Tom Wright is a new FANTASTIC lenten book available through http://www.mediacom.org.au and information here: http://goo.gl/wp8ao AND if you’re keen you are able to download an electronic version of the book (ipad/iphone/itouch /Sony) here: http://goo.gl/6172o or kindle here: http://goo.gl/6172o The book also has a number of video, audio AND written resources via BigBible 2012 here: http://goo.gl/IuEwD and here: http://goo.gl/88Tsn
I pray that this email finds you well and that this year’s lenten journey is one that both challenges, surprises, confuses, excites and nurtures you.
Shalom
Darren Wright
