Good snowy afternoon,

The past few weeks in this season have been an intentional time of focus on the true picture of Jesus. As we get ever closer to Holy Week, we pray that this resource is awakening you to Jesus in fresh ways.

If you are just joining us or are wondering what Lent is all about, scroll to the bottom of this email.

I AM

We are studying the 7 statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase - 'I am'. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully - he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything.

Week 5 "I am the resurrection and the life." - Jesus

• Read ~ John 11
• Reflect ~ Where in my life do I find it hard to completely trust Jesus? Are there things that cause me to question His love? Is there a place I can picture him weeping with me? What does it mean that he doesn't just bring life but says he IS life? Where is he calling me to come out of death and into life?
• Practice ~ What makes you feel most alive? This week, take off the grave clothes and practice these things. Celebrate the story of resurrection He brings to us even now.
• Prayer ~ Lord of life, Lord who is life, awaken my heart and mind to your true identity. In your proclamation I find hope. This hope is not just for future resurrection but the conquering of death and bringing of life NOW. I trust you are the only answer to my lifelessness. 

3/17 Sermon reflection & discussion guide 

Lent 2024 Playlist

Lent 2024 Visio Divina prompts

Both playlist and prompts will be added to each week, so keep checking back! Please reach out if you have questions about Lent, this series or would like to share about your own Lenten journey!

Caitlin

Good morning,

Thank you so very much for engaging with our Lent resources during this season. If you would like to share how it’s been going for you, please do!  If you are just joining us or are wondering what Lent is all about, scroll to the bottom of this email.

I AM

We are studying the 7 statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase – ‘I am’. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully – he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything.

Week 4 “I am the good shepherd.” – Jesus

•Read ~ John 10 and Ezekiel 34

•Reflect ~ Where am I most comforted by the shepherding of the Lord? What false shepherds have I been following – where am I running for guidance or wisdom? How can I prioritize listening to his voice? In what areas do I struggle to identify as a sheep in need of direction? Where is it a blessing for me to be a sheep?

•Practice ~ Make a list of the characteristics of a good shepherd from John 10 and Psalm 23. Which one are you having a hard time experiencing lately? Write it on your mirror, fridge, car visor, etc. and spend time looking for it from your shepherd this week.

•Prayer ~ Genuine shepherd, in you, power and love meet. You are only good. I see goodness in your comfort and your protection and in your willingness to lay down your life for me. You are the only shepherd that would become the Lamb. Even though I am prone to wander, thank you for always seeking me out. 

3/10 Sermon reflection & discussion guide 

Lent 2024 Playlist

Lent 2024 Visio Divina prompts

Both playlist and prompts will be added to each week, so keep checking back! Please reach out if you have questions about Lent, this series or would like to share about your own Lenten journey!

Caitlin

Hello church,

Very glad you are with us for week three of our Lenten journey. If you would like to share how it's been going for you, please do!  If you are just joining us or are wondering what Lent is all about, scroll to the bottom of this email.

I AM

We are studying the 7 statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase - 'I am'. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully - he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything.

Week 3 "I am the gate." - Jesus

• Read ~ John 9-10 and Psalm 118
• Reflect ~ Has my experience with Jesus felt like more of an open or closed gate lately? Where has his protection hemmed me in? Where has his freedom brought me joy? Is there a door that I am choosing right now looking to bring life instead of Jesus?
• Practice ~ Each time you go into the door of your home this week, praise him aloud for your salvation. When you go out through your door, praise him for freedom to flourish.
• Prayer ~ Jesus, doorway to life, my protector and defender, I am at home in you. As the gate, you allow me to come into the fold of your love and safety and go out into the pasture of your life-giving abundance. Remind me you are the only access to fullness and freedom.

3/3 Sermon reflection & discussion guide 

Lent 2024 Playlist

Lent 2024 Visio Divina prompts

Both playlist and prompts will be added to each week, so keep checking back! Please reach out if you have questions about Lent, this series or would like to share about your own Lenten journey!

Caitlin

What is Lent?

The season of Lent is the 40 days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection three days later and a time to prepare our hearts. This season has been observed by Christians all over the world for over 1,000 years.

The purpose of participating and engaging in this time of preparation is to come closer to Jesus. It is really a season of focus – focusing our attention and being intentional about the work of God in our lives.

Lent can be full of some very hard truths. We take stock of our souls and are honest with ourselves. We dig in and face pain and some things that aren't comfortable. JRR Tolkien said, "You can only come to the morning through the shadows." Our faith offers us hope because it does not avoid hard things, it moves through them. Jesus, our Savior does not opt out or choose another way, he meets death head on for us.

Welcome to week two of our Lenten journey. I am praying for you as you continue your heart's preparation. If you are just joining us or are wondering what Lent is all about, scroll to the bottom of this email.

I AM

We are studying the 7 statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase - 'I am'. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully - he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything. 

Week 2 "I am the light of the world." - Jesus

• Read ~ John 8 and Exodus 13
• Reflect ~ How is Jesus shedding light for me recently? When has his illumination of something been a painful experience? Where might I be living in darkness or as blinded?
• Practice ~ Spend some time in physical darkness. Perhaps fast from any artificial light for an evening. Allow the time in shadow to increase your love of his light.
• Prayer ~ God, source of all light, by your Word, you give brightness to my soul.
  Pour out your illumination on my path; show me what I cannot see as you guide my way.                                                         Help me not to be content only to look upon your light, but also to walk in it. 

Our Lenten series this year is called I AM. We will go through seven statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully - he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything.

Week 1 "I am the bread of life." - Jesus

• Read | John 6 and Exodus 16
• Reflect | How is He sustaining me? How is he satisfying me? Where am I grumbling at his provision? What hunger lies within me that I am filling with something that won't satisfy?
• Practice | In your prayers today, consider not requesting He provide you with something.
• Prayer | Lord, YOU are the bread of my life. I believe that you will sustain me, and you will be my satisfaction. Forgive the ways I come to you just to get something. Nourish me with yourself.