Lent (re)defined: Saint Stephen's Wednesday programming this season

This year, our Lenten program theme is “Lent (re)defined”. We will reinterpret Lenten practices in a more sustainable way, incorporating activities and conversations to nurture us in this holy season.

On Wednesday nights, starting March 12, we will gather in the Parish Hall to share a simple meal at 5:30 p.m., followed by weekly presentations and programs that begin at 6:00 p.m. and wrap up by 6:45 p.m. This content will help us commit to simple ways for meaningful living in this season by redefining giving, fasting, and praying. (Nursery is provided for small children from 5-7 p.m.)

On March 12, we will talk about sharing our time and resources with those in our community who are in need. On March 19, we will explore the strenuous pressures of giving up something – like chocolate or Facebook for 40 days – and what we do when we fail. Even better, we will reframe fasting as an invitation to simplify and offer some ways to live into that mindset.

After taking March 26 as a time of intentional sabbath (rest) during Spring Break, we will return April 2 to practice different ways to pray, geared toward experiences of all ages – for each of us can learn new and old ways to still ourselves to be with God. We will gather as community on April 9 for a low country boil to complete a fun and easy hands-on project together, preparing us for Palm Sunday.

Finally, on the evening of April 16, we will walk the Stations of the Cross in the nave, so that we are spiritually and physically attentive to the sacrifice that leads up to the gift of redemption and resurrection on Easter.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful weeknight series this Lent.