Dear One's of St. C's, 

Last year, I put an emphasis on how the Lenten journey is one we take together.  I want us to hold onto this idea this year as well.  We may be in the desert, the way may be uncertain, but we go together believing that God breaks into time and space making a way for all to thrive and know peace. 

We have begun a tradition of putting a special emphasis on embodiment in worship during Lent. Episcopalians believe that worship is about being present with God in mind, body, and spirit. This is why within our liturgy there are many opportunities to use our bodies, for example - sitting down, standing up, crossing ourselves, kneeling, bowing, placing our hands in the orans position, singing, saying prayers together, listening to scripture and sermons, walking towards the altar for communion, eating bread, drinking wine, dipping our hands in water, smelling incense and the list goes on.  This how we invite our mind, body, and spirit into worship.

I encourage you to practice moving your body in a new way this Lent.  Have you tried grabbing a kneeler? Many people like to kneel during the confession or after receiving communion.  It is a position of humility and giving up to God - similar to the orans positions. 

Have you tried dipping your hand in the font and crossing yourself - to remember your baptism?  As you feel the water on your hands and face you can allow yourself to feel God's love and care for you. 

During Lent we want to heighten these ways that our worship provides physical ways to connect us to God and one another in order that God's grace and love can be more tangible and visible.  Traditionally, Lent is a time where alongside others seeking baptism or confirmation, we deepen our understanding of our faith.  We are also aware in Lent that Jesus came to us in a body and gave up his body for the world. 

Throughout Lent we will attend to the senses and be aware of how our bodies respond. This will include some time for quiet reflection after the sermon where people are invited to visit prayer stations, ring bells and light candles.  There will also be lighting incense during the prayers of the people and more kneelers will be available

Come join us at St. C's on our Lenten journey as we turn towards God and one another believing in the salvation of the world. 

with hope, 

Meghan