St. Paul’s invites you to the observance of a holy Lent.
Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 8:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist in the Sanctuary at 7:30pm
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, and a time to reflect upon the fragility of our own lives and of all life. This year, we are offering morning and evening opportunities to worship on Ash Wednesday. Ashes will be available at both services.
Adult Formation in Lent
“Becoming Human: the Core Teachings of Jesus”
Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm on Zoom
One of the most important books in Rev. Chris’s seminary formation was a simple collection of short meditations on the core teaching of Jesus, written by a baby-boomer priest from New Mexico named Brian C. Taylor. Since the parish is focusing together on Jesus’ teachings during this program year, it feels like a good time to return to these meditations and see how they feel, some 20 years later, and to introduce them to many of you. Each week, we’ll read four or five of these short reflections and then use them as a springboard to discuss the particular core teaching of Jesus that they address. Even if you can’t manage to get the reading done, there will still be value in attending the zoom discussions and reflecting together on what Jesus means when he talks about “being a prophet” or “repenting” or “forgiving others and yourself.” If you’d like to sign up, please email Rev. Chris (chris@stpaulsbedford.org) and he’ll send you the Zoom link.
Family Spiritual Practices for Lent
Looking for a Lenten spiritual practice for you and your family? Join Molly on three Sunday mornings in Lent to consider the three pillars of the season.
- February 25 from 9:15 – 9:45 am: Prayer
- March 3 from 9:15 – 9:45 am: Fasting
- March 17 from 9:15 – 9:45 am: Almsgiving
Each week we will spend time together engaging in a spiritual practice and activity that opens up the richness of the season of Lent. The spiritual activities will be geared toward kids in elementary school, but all are welcome to attend – and there will be take-home resources, too.
Lenten Hunger Awareness Campaign, 2024
Lenten Food Collection: February 18 to March 24
The Outreach Committee is sponsoring a collection of non-perishable foods, household and hygiene products for the Middlesex Community College’s (MCC) food pantry, and monetary donations aimed at hunger relief for Bedford’s Food Pantry and Billerica’s Community Pantry. Contact Sharon Healey with any questions.
- For monetary donations: You can write a check to St. Paul’s with “Food Pantry” in the memo and place on the collection plate, or donate online using the “Lenten Food Collection” option in the drop-down menu.
- For tangible item donations: Please pick up a bag in the narthex after church with an attached list of suggested items that are especially useful. Drop off items in the labeled collection boxes in the narthex.
Offering of Letters: March 10
The Hunger Awareness Offering of Letters is conducted in conjunction with our Lenten Food Collection. See more details in the March Epistle, or contact Sue Swanson.
Who will win the Golden Halo? LENT MADNESS Has Begun!
Each year in Lent, The Episcopal Church holds our own version of “March Madness,” featuring many of the Saints that we commemorate in our calendar. This year, 32 saints have been placed into a bracket, to face off in daily “head to head” competition – conducted online by popular vote! Every member of the parish is invited to learn more about this years’ 32 Saints and to complete your own bracket, by picking up a booklet in the Narthex. Completed brackets must be received by Rev. Chris by Sunday, February 18. Whichever bracket earns the most points through the tournament will be crowned the St. Paul’s winner and receive a prize on Easter Sunday. You can vote for your favorite Saint each day in Lent by visiting LENTMADNESS.ORG.