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The season of Lent, commencing on March 5, 2025, offers a moment for reflection amidst the current climate of overwhelming news and societal challenges. Sharon Fennema, curator and storyteller for Join the Movement, notes that many movement-makers feel "inundated and pulled in a million directions by all the injustices being perpetrated at every level of government and society right now."
In response to these feelings, the United Church of Christ (UCC) is providing resources aimed at offering spiritual nourishment during this period. The Rev. Cheryl Lindsay emphasizes that "this moment calls for profound, courageous, and prophetic truth telling." She highlights Lent as a time for lamentation which can serve well in today's context.
A key resource available is "Movement Wisdom for Wild Days," a 40-day journey from Join the Movement. This downloadable document includes daily wisdom from historical figures along with weekly practices encouraging reflection. It invites individuals to seek guidance from past experiences similar to how Jesus sought wisdom during his wilderness journey.
Fennema believes that many people are experiencing disorientation and sees Lent as an opportunity to refocus spiritually. She hopes the calendar will convey that "we are not alone" in our struggles for freedom.
Rev. Velda Love underscores the importance of ancestral memories in staying focused amid threats from powerful entities: “We are stronger together and will build up movements towards liberation and a just world for all!”
The Ash Wednesday lectionary scripture from Joel instructs believers to “sound the alarm on my holy mountain,” setting a tone for repentance both individually and collectively. Lindsay urges confronting complicity with White Christian Nationalism within church spaces: “‘Sound the alarm’ emphasizes the urgency and gravity of this call.”
Lindsay has developed a Ritual of Breath and Ashes inspired by colleagues from National Ministries while Rev. Ruth Garwood contributes Sunday liturgical elements for Worship Ways.
This year's Lent devotional aligns with General Synod 35's theme — Into the Deep — featuring daily entries by Stillspeaking Writers’ Group. Rachael Hackenberg explains it aims to reflect on God's depth ahead of Synod.
Rev. Mary Luti introduces Into the Deep: “God’s trajectory is downward... God loves the deep.” Hackenberg adds that during times of political stress, clinging to God's depths provides spiritual anchorage.
These reflections explore various "deeps," including silence, faith's bedrock, disciples' fishing depths, and Mary's humble act of anointing Jesus's feet.
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