This year we are being invited to think of Lent differently. Instead of focusing on ourselves- what I give up or what I take on- we are going to reflect together on how we follow the shepherd. This invitation to lent from the Ash Wednesday service sums up our journey:
1: Jesus is our good shepherd, we have all we need.
2: Help us to recognize your voice, O God.
1: Our good shepherd restores our soul.
2: Help us bring restoration to a world in pain.
1: Our good shepherd prepares a table before us.
2: Help us to love our enemies and dine gladly with them.
1: Our good shepherd gives goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.
2: Help us live in gratitude for the sake of all that God has made.
Maybe this litany will call you to give something up in order to see that you have all you need. Maybe it will call you to take up a cause to bring healing to the world. Maybe it will call you to take a rest by still waters. Wherever the Shepherd calls you this Lent, it is where you need to be!
– Pastor Trudy Stoffel
Listen to Pastor Trudy’s Ash Wednesday sermon about Lent HERE.
For more about Lent, visit this wondering question from 2025.
How can I prepare myself for Lent?