Lent 2023 Information
As we begin to emerge from winter towards the budding life of spring, and prepare for the hope of our Easter celebrations, the season of Lent lends itself to reflection, learning, and growth. Whether you are returning to church after a time away, new to faith altogether, or looking for new ways to connect your inner faith and spirituality more deeply with your relationships and daily life, St. Paul’s is offering a variety of courses and stand-alone sessions for your Lenten learning this year.
If you have questions about any of the offerings below, send an email to The Rev. Jenni Ovenstone
Gather at St. Paul’s for a morning of reflection, prayer, and gentle conversation based on The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. Facilitated by the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone
The season of “Lent” is named from an old English word meaning “spring.” Even as we turn inwardly this season to tend to reflection and spiritual growth, Margaret Gardner will help us look for God in the signs of life preparing to bloom outwardly all around us. Margaret Gardner is a floral artist and educator in the DC area. She serves as the associate for adult discipleship and small group ministry at National Presbyterian Church.
Join the Rev. Sam Mason throughout Lent for a weekly discussion of this work by the Bishop of Western Louisiana. Reexamine the biblical concept of resurrection, and discover how Jesus’ resurrection influences us every day through Christian practices that allow new life to emerge through our ordinary experiences. The Wilmer Building may be entered by buzzing in at the Duke Street door.
Each week participants will be asked to view a video in advance from the “Owning our Faith” series taught by the clergy of St. Paul’s. We then gather in person on Wednesday evenings over a light meal for fellowship, reflection, and guided conversation about each week’s theme with the intention of exploring, and more deeply living, our faith. This course is designed especially for people who are new to exploring Christian faith; seeking to re-engage or deepen their spiritual life in community; looking for connection and conversation around questions of faith; or considering making a renewed affirmation or commitment in faith through the sacramental step of Confirmation or Reception in the Episcopal Church. If you are interested, please email the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone
While Episcopalians tend to shy away from talking about sin, we know full well that the world we observe, and our own selves, fall short of the goodness and flourishing that God desires for us. Join the parish clergy for this three–part exploration of sin, how it distorts all facets of our lives, and how God frees us from it. We will use the baptismal liturgy’s renunciations of evil - cosmic, systemic, and personal - as our starting point.
March 12: The spiritual forces of wickedness: the evil that enslaves us. The Rev. Oran Warder
March 19: The evil powers of this world: the evil done on our behalf. The Rev. Jenni Ovenstone
March 26: All sinful desires: the evil we have done. The Rev. Alyse Viggiano
Click Here for the Schedule of Easter and Holy Week Services
