I write that with a smile on my face. Lent was so foreign to me growing up. I wondered why on earth a handful of my classmates would do things like give up chocolate for 40 whole days. Now, as an adult who's developed a practice of joining in the church calendar, I approach Lent with anticipation. I wonder where my view of God is distorted, where choices are becoming compulsions, and where I've struggled to be truly honest with God about how desperately I need transformation. The smile comes to my face because I trust that any of us who decide to give up, add in or share this Lenten season (see below) will find rich intimacy with God, be transformed personally, and increasingly bring transformation to our cities.

Below you will find some offerings to spur you on this Lenten season. May we all find the life, freedom, and joy that come from returning to God where we've strayed.

with you on the journey,

Pastor Hannah

Special Services this Lent

Ash Wednesday service on February 18th at 7pm at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor

Palm Sunday service on March 29th at 11am at A2CC

Good Friday service on April 3rd at 7pm at A2CC 

Easter service on April 5th at 11am at A2CC

Possible Practices for Lent

Giving Up | Repentance and/or Fasting – Examine your life and ask God: Where am I addicted? Where is a good need being met in an unhealthy way? What do I do mindlessly or compulsively? What can I choose to stop doing for Lent as an act of repentance, making room for love for God and others to grow?

Adding In | Scripture and Prayer – Consider establishing or strengthening regular times of prayer and meditating on Scripture. See outline below for a place to start.

Sharing | Giving and Hospitality – Consider freely sharing what God's given you in new or fun way. We'd love for everyone to consider joining in on two opportunities this year. The first is hosting an Easter meal and inviting people from your spheres (neighbors, coworkers, friends, family, etc) to your table, practicing generous hospitality. The second is participating in A2CC's Easter offering. 100% of the money given on Easter or designated toward the Easter offering will go to supporting our neighbors who've immigrated to our area (organization TBD).

Weekly Lent Scripture readings following A2CC sermons

2/15 -2/21  - John 1:35-42

2/22-2/28- Matthew 8:23-27

3/1-3/7 - Mark 6:30-44

3/8-3/14 - Matthew 16:13-20

3/15-3/21 - Luke 6:46-49

3/22-3/28 - Matthew 15:1-20

3/29-3/4 - John 21:15-19