Lenten Studies & Devotionals
Read the Week 1 Devotional, “Were You There?” by Jean H.
Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays). This year Orange UMC is offering 2 studies during the Lenten season.
Journey to the Cross through the lens of those who watched Jesus die. Enter their world and watch with them. From each witness, we learn how those meanings and messages span the centuries to any who would come to the cross today. Join Pastor Adam for a weekly Lenten Study that will follow Amy Jill-Levine’s book Witness at the Cross. Per the Cokesbury website In Witness at the Cross, Amy-Jill Levine shows how the people at the cross each have distinct roles to play. Each Evangelist presents a distinct picture of the death of Jesus. Each portrays different individuals and groups of people at the cross, each offers different images and dialogues... Join Pastor Adam for an in-person study on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am, or via Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. Please contact Pastor Adam or the church office for additional information.
We invite you to write a Lenten Devotional inspired by one of the witnesses to the crucifixion. Contact the church office to volunteer.
o March 14th – The Other Victims (Mark 15:27, Matthew 27:38, Luke 23:39-43)
o March 21st – The Soldiers (Mark 15:39, Mark 15:44, Matthew 27:54, Luke 23:47, John 19:23-24)
o March 28th – The Beloved Disciple (John 19:26-37)
o April 4th – The Women (Mark 15:40-41, Luke 23:48-49, John 19:25b-27)
o April 11 – Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (Mark 15:24-46, Matthew 27:57, Luke 23:50-51, John 19:39)
How can we help to create a more caring world?
Orange UMC is offering a small group study and discussion on "The Gift of Empathy”. This is the second time that we have offered this book discussion after such a positive experience. The session will take place on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-6:00, starting from March 9 through April 13th. This is one of the options for a Lenten study. Send an email to Ginny Kendell, one of the Stephen Ministry Leaders, or contact the church office at 919-942-2825 for more information.