The Lenten Journey of Love

During this season of spiritual focus and renewal, leading us toward Easter, you're invited to follow the Lenten Journey of Love, laid out below. May it enhance your relationship with God and with the people in your life over these forty days.

FIRST WEEK OF LENT:    The Hand of Love

This week, write a letter a day to a friend – near or far away.

Tell someone how much you appreciate him or her.

SECOND WEEK OF LENT:   The Voice of Love

Telephone two or three people each day for a short chat just to say what they mean to you or to say, “Thank You” or “I'm Sorry.” Call people you've intended to phone but, for whatever reason, you keep putting it off.

THIRD WEEK OF LENT:   The Deed of Love

Send something you've made or bought to two or three friends who mean so much to you but for whom you rarely express your love – a pie, a plant, a small remembrance that has your love as a wrapping. Or, send a little something through an online merchant.

FOURTH WEEK OF LENT:   The Heart of Love

Make a list of at least ten people for whom you will pray daily. Include your friends, your enemies, those you don't like; forgive them if they have wronged you, and ask forgiveness if you have wronged them.

FIFTH WEEK OF LENT:   The Mind of Love

Use this week to pray for yourself and look inward. Read the Book of John. Plan to get up before church on Palm Sunday to meditate and pray.

SIXTH WEEK OF LENT:   The Victory of Love

This is the week of celebration. God's love for us is revealed in many ways. Get outside and breathe in the fresh air this week (wear a mask if you're going outside your yard – keep a social distance). Set up a virtual dinner or game night online! Let your joy be full with life abundant in faith, hope, and love.

COOL THINGS TO DO FOR LENT (One for Each Week!)

1.     Skip one meal a day and give the money to the poor (FYI: UPCCG supports the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair, NJ).

2.     Start a prayer "rhythm." Say a prayer every time you do a certain activity, like when you brush your teeth, see a commercial, or check your e-mail.

3.     Read a chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew is a good book to start with).

4.     Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself).

5.     Spend thirty minutes a day in silence.

6.     Say one nice thing to someone each day