Lent is a time when millions of Christians around the world take time to draw closer to God and reflect on the sacrifice of jesus in the lead up to Easter.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday (26th Feb), the 40 days of Lent is when we remember the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying. It was during these 40 days that Jesus made the choice to work in God’s way, however hard that might be.
Lent is a season of fasting (giving stuff up) & repentance (recognising what we've done wrong), leading up to Easter, as we celebrate what Jesus has done for us.
It's an encouragement to turn back to God once again, with renewed passion. We devote ourselves through prayer, fasting and giving.
If you'd like to join in this season, we thought we'd put together a few helpful resources to get you started!
Fasting
Fasting: Basic info & ideas
Check out this helpful intro on what fasting is, what it isn’t and some ideas on how to fast during Lent.
Generosity & Giving
Foodbank & Easter Egg Donations
Birmingham Vineyard
Each year we collect chocolate Easter eggs, donated by our church family, which we give to the agencies our Foodbank partners with. Last year, over 200 eggs were donated and distributed to children who come from difficult circumstances across Birmingham. We'd love to see if we could donate over 250 this year!
We are collecting Easter Eggs throughout March 2020, you can bring them to any Sunday service.
As well as our Easter collection, our regular Foodbank operates all year round, supported only by donations of the church. We're always in need of more donations, so please GRAB a bag from the back of church, FILL a bag with everything on the list and GIVE a bag this Easter.
Generosity Challenges
40 Acts
What if Lent could be about more than just giving stuff up? What if it could be a time of radical generosity as well as spiritual discipline? 40acts is the generosity challenge for Lent, created by UK Christian charity, Stewardship. They’ve got lots of resources on their website: 40acts.org.uk
40 Acts Daily Generosity Challenges: Sign up to receive the daily challenge in your email box!
40 Acts Family Wallchart: Download a family calendar with daily generosity challenges, for all ages.
Devotionals and Prayer Resources
Video Reflections on Easter
24/7 Prayer
The most important week in world history explored in 7 short videos. Love Easter; forget bunny rabbits and chocolate eggs for a while and follow Jesus as he walks towards the pain and heartbreak of his execution, then celebrate the Sunday resurrection story with us! Love Easter, love Jesus, celebrate life.
https://www.24-7prayer.com/podcasts/category/loveeaster
Lent Devotional Guide “Amazing You”
Compassion International
Dreams are not a distraction. You were custom made by God to answer a unique calling. Amazing You Lent devotional offers uplifted two-minute devotions to remind you of your identity, potential, and value in God. Each day includes a Scripture, inspirational reading, moment of reflection, and prayer.
https://www.compassionuk.org/lent/
Lent for Everyone: Daily Devotionals
N.T.Wright
NT Wright has written a series of devotionals, one for each day, over 53 days. Each day, there is a Bible reading, and a thought from NT Wright about how it relates to Easter.
https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/83-lent-for-everyone