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Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The theme for Lent this year at my church is sustainable living.
"The word Lent comes from an old Anglo Saxon word meaning springtime. While often in the church, we think of Lent as a season of asceticism and denial, really at its heart, Lent is an opportunity for renewal and growth. Caring for creation in a way that is sustainable is part of Christian calling. Fasting is a traditional Lenten discipline. This year, why not fast from something that is destructive to creation."
- Pastor Shannon Anderson
Some ideas (from the church's Lenten devotional booklet):
Fast from disposable coffee cups or water bottles by carrying your own.
Fast from purchases at national chains by shopping at local stores.
Fast from individual automobile use for any destination in easy walking, bicycling, or public tranit distance.
Fast from energy and water use by taking a lukewarm shower and turning off the water while soaping up.
If you would like an electronic copy of the Lenten devotional booklet with many more ideas, please email me at leciaandalexi at yahoo dot com.
18 comments:
Lecia -- Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas. I love the concept of fasting from destruction to creation for Lent. Much better for the earth than all of us giving up chocolate! And I've just read the heartfelt post about your grandmothers. I'm so glad you reminded us once again of things that truly are important.
My church does not celebrate Lent, but the concept has always fascinated me. I really enjoyed this post - especially the different perspective it gives. Thanks!
Lovely post and thoughts. Funny, I'm talking Lent today too but from a different perspective!
Like this post..always looking forward to the Lenten season and renewal...
Thanks for sharing those are all great ideas. I look forward to Lent each year and renewing what is important. Thanks
i have always thought of lent more in the terms your pastor describes than in the terms of denial... always thinking it silly just to give some random thing up, without replacing it with something to grow you spiritually. these are thoughtful ideas and certainly in tune with being a good steward for what God has blessed us with. thanks for sharing!
I have recently begun to stay away from the BIG BOXES..... the locals needs our support, I holeheartedly agree!! xo
Uh oh!! Excuse the typos above!!! xo The locals need our support, I wholeheartedly agree....
I love all those ideas, and most of them I have already tried hard to implement. Though I must admit I don't know that much about lent. THanks for sharing.
Wow - it sounds like you go to a very progressive church! Those are all fantastic ideas.
Lecia~ Something for all of us to contribute to. And will result in good habits. I have started using my own travel mug for coffee and trying to use my own water bottle as much as possible. Thanks for the good ideas.
A great post, good ideas and things for all of us to carry-on after the season. xoxo
GREAT ideas. Every little bit makes a difference.
xoh
I love your perspective on Lent. Makes me think. I love that!
You make me want to be a better person and fast.
Love your fast ideas.
I do like this way of marking lent.
Lecia,
This is so wonderful. What a great priest you have--very cool! The Lenten Season has come a long way since I was a kid. Our priest puts one of those large empty Poland Springs water bottle in the lobby and it acts like a giant "Rice Bowl" for the adults. It began just collecting spare change from handbags and pockets and now holds all sorts of paper money. Last year someone dropped a $100 in!
Hugs,
Paula Fowler
Lent has always been a powerful idea for me, but not having a Christian background, have never known much about it. Thanks for your perspective.
Really, I was moved to write about the amazing love and generosity your blog generates. Way to go, Girl. We need more like you.
Sunshine,
Susie
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