This Lent has been like no other.

On Ash Wednesday, we began with a plan for prayer and fasting, but less than three weeks into Lent, life turned upside down because of COVID-19 and the precautions we were asked to take in order to prevent its spread.  As life’s normal rhythms were interrupted, so were our Lenten plans. And we entered a Lenten desert we did not expect to experience.

Now, as Lent draws to a close, we anticipate the holiest week of the year. And we settle into the reality that we will spend it at home, too. The good news is that, even under these unusual circumstances, Holy Week can still be one of the most prayerful weeks of the year.  This week we will be providing simple and meaningful ways to draw closely to Jesus in His Passion and Death—all while staying at home.  Since we have already spent multiple weeks at home—and the days can run together—it is important to set Holy Week apart so that it feels special. Create a schedule for the week. Designate times for:

• Prayer
• Spiritual reading
• Simple meals
• Rest and recreation, including time outside
• Work

You may even want to set up a designated prayer space:

• Clear off a table and place a cloth on it.
• Move a chair close by or place big pillows on the floor.
• Add things that draw your heart and mind to Jesus.

Today we – and each day this week – we want you to tune in and watch a quick interactive video with Pastor Jon that are designed to lead you to a more meaningful Holy Week towards Easter.