The First Sunday of Lent was an unusual one at St. Clement’s. Our priest, the Ven. Dr. Lynne McNaughton, the Regional Youth Ministry Coordinator, the Rev. Andrew Halladay, and Caroline Battista who is our Sunday School Coordinator hosted a Junior Youth Sleepover at St. Clement’s on Saturday March 8th. As Lynne remarked, given that it was also the night the clocks went forward an hour, this was perhaps not too smart, but everyone had tremendous fun despite the tiredness. The youth prepared Lenten Banners on the theme of pilgrimage: with the help of our deacon the Rev. Elizabeth Mathers they worked with brown paper and charcoal, tracing their feet. The theme was further supplemented by cactii on the Altar and a “desert road”, lined with rocks and desert-like plants invited us to journey to the Altar, where we were fed with bread and wine.
The Gospel of The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4: 1-11) was acted out by the youth in a very imaginative and energetic way, including a couple of cheerleading lifts! The parish was then invited to wonder about the presentation: I wonder what stood out to you. I wonder where how we are tempted. I wonder if you have ever had an encounter with an angel or with the devil. It was a thought-provoking exercise for us all and the youth did an amazing job. Then we were led in prayer, also by the youth, who took turns at the microphone reading a prayer they had all worked on.
This was an amazing Sunday for us all and we look forward to another exciting Youth-led service.