This Lent, choose from a number of recommended resources to take the journey from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week (March 6 - April 14, 2019). Whether it's a small group gathering or an individual study, online or in print, we hope there's something here for you.
The Archbishop's Book Study Recommendation:
Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship by Gregory Boyle
In a moving example of unconditional love in difficult times, the Jesuit priest and bestselling author of Tattoos on the Heart, Gregory Boyle, shares what three decades of working with gang members in Los Angeles has taught him about faith, compassion, and the enduring power of kinship.
From the review by Sojourners magazine:
""Jaw-dropping. Boyle take[s] us through the human lifecycle of fall/grace/redemption/repeat again and again. Reading this book is a spiritually cleansing experience that won’t leave you the same. The compassion Boyle writes of is so deep and wide and strong that nobody is ever beyond its reach."
A 40 Day Lenten Devotional
Lent is not Rocket Science: An Exploration of God, Creation, and the Cosmos
From the biggest to the smallest phenomena in the universe, Bishop Knisely, who is also a physicist and astonomer, examines how natural theology can point us to the great mystery and presence of God. If you've ever wondered about the relationship between science and faith and what it could be, this might be for you. Questions for reflection or discussion follow each day's meditation.
You can read an excerpt here.
If you'd like to order copies for yourself or for a parish group, email the Missioner for Christian Formation: jschaap@vancouver.anglican.ca. Copies are $5.00 each. Please include the number of copies needed, your name and contact info.
Small Group Online/Video Courses
Growing a Rule of Life by The Society of St. John the Evangelist
This 6 week course is designed to assist people in developing a sustainable, devotional rhythm for daily life. The creators of the course are Anglican monks who will take you step by step on growing your relationships, getting in tune with natural rhythms, and celebrating strengths. At the end of the course, participants will have a written rule of life or "garden plot." Participants can sign up for a daily email and print a workbook. For small groups there are printable resources for group discussions and encouragement.
Read the overview, sign up for emails, and download materials.
ChurchNext courses on the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and Practical Forgiveness
ChurchNext offers brief video courses on core, relevant Christian topics. This Lent, we selected three that could be combined over Lent or used singly. Each of them may be used in small groups and cost $15.00USD. Each course comes with a downloadable participant and leader guide.
What is Resurrection? - a 45 minute session exploring the meaning of resurrection and why it matters. Learn practical and encouraging ways to define and live into resurrection.
Making Sense of the Cross Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 - led by Rev. David Lose: a three part series on the different approaches Christians have taken to find meaning and hope in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How can it help us approach, understand, and know God better?
Practical Forgiveness - In this course, author and consultant Rob Voyle uses his decades of experience in dealing with forgiveness and reconciliation to give us practical steps on how we can let go of the pain of unforgiveness and live in wholeness.