The calendar that most Christian churches follow is sometimes called the liturgical calendar. It is an ever revolving circle that guides us through the life of Jesus each year. Our church year begins with the first Sunday of a four-week Advent. We go through the anticipation and waiting of that season into a season of celebration with the 12 days of Christmas Season. Following that, we head toward Epiphany, the Baptism of Jesus, and then into a season of Ordinary Time.

Now, the season of Lent is quickly approaching. Each year, for the 40 days leading up to Easter (not including Sundays), we settle into a season of fasting, repentance, and preparation. This 40 days mirrors Jesus’ fasting and testing in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. It is an acknowledgement that we are always on the journey. Even if we have walked with Jesus for many years, there is still so much for us to learn from him. It is a time of re-centering ourselves in the presence of Jesus.

One of the traditional ways of participating in this season has been by fasting Monday-Saturday from something. On Sundays, we break our fasts in order to remember that each Sunday is a mini-Easter. Some traditions fast from meat specifically on Fridays, others fast from meat entirely! I invite us all to consider what might we give up for a season this year–perhaps by joining in the boycotts of certain companies, giving up sweets, giving up TV time, or spending unnecessarily. Perhaps it might be something more internal in nature, such as giving up complaining or bitterness. But let us also consider what practices we might take on. For instance, if you fast from your daily trip to a coffee stand, maybe donate that extra money; or if you give up TV time, perhaps spend more time on Bible study. If you fast from negativity, maybe take on a practice of gratitude instead! And then share with someone what your practice will be, so you can journey together and encourage one another.

As has been our practice as Covenant UMC for the past few years, we are partnering with our sister congregation, Audubon Park UMC for this season. We will join together in a worship series called “In the Wilderness with God.” We will settle into the book of Exodus together, learning from the faithfulness and unfaithfulness of God’s people. As we do so, we will also be reminded of God’s enduring presence with us, correcting and cajoling, but also with celebration and love.

The season will kick off on Ash Wednesday, which is February 18th. We still have two service options–noon at Audubon Park UMC and 7p at Covenant UMC. Please join us.