We’ve designed this resource to let families explore Lent in meaningful ways that make sense to their schedule.
Each day, kids will find a suggested scripture and activity to grow in their understanding of following Jesus through prayer, fasting, and paying attention to others. Additional games, activities, and prayer prompts can be found throughout the booklet.
*Please note that the scriptures in the book are designed to line up with the scriptures in the Kate Bowler resource below.
Excerpts from Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day
by Kate Bowler
“Lent is full of hard truths. And it is a perfect moment for spiritual honesty. We can look on this tragicomedy with love and bemusement as we wait for the someday that will be God’s promised future. There, God’s kingdom comes. God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And in the meantime, there’s this . . . our beautiful, terrible days.”
Using excerpts from Kate Bowler’s book, we’ll send out a daily email featuring an image, a piece of scripture, a starter prayer, and a suggestion for an activity or consideration. You’re welcome to use all or none of the pieces as building blocks to create a routine that makes sense for your needs in this season.
There are also a limited number of printed copies of our excerpted guide available at the church. As well, there are several copies of Kate’s book available to borrow from the church library in two-week intervals if you would like to read more. You can also sign up for her more involved daily emails or download a weekly group discussion guide through her website katebowler.com.
Sacred Journey by Leah Perrault
Arriving once again at the season of Lent, it is valuable to pause and reflect on the Lenten seasons of our own lives, particularly those of the last year. What suffering weighs heaviest on our hearts? What losses and death have we carried? What crosses have we shouldered? How did we lean on Jesus during these times? Where did our faith falter or grow? Is there anything we could practise for Lent that might help to deepen our connection with God in seasons of suffering or loss? The church year is not just an opportunity to dress the altar and the priest in different colours. It is a ritual way to practise for the seasons of our real lives.
These reflections are meant to accompany you alongside your particular Lenten sacrifices and disciplines. Go gently. If you miss a day or several, pick up again when you can, both with the reading and your commitments. God is not discouraged by our imperfection but keeps calling us to make slow and steady steps whenever and wherever we are.