Lent can get a bad rap: “It’s a downer! It’s about deprivation! Why are these ashes on my head??”
We get it. Lent can be challenging.
But at its core, Lent is about deepening spiritually: pruning overgrowth, going back to basics, returning home, remembering what matters most.
In Japan, broken objects are often repaired with gold, a practice called kintsugi or “golden joinery.” The flaw is seen as a unique piece of the object’s history that adds to its beauty.
This Lent, our theme at St. Philip’s is Come as You Are: Imperfect and Beloved. God hates nothing God has made. To that end, we invite you to a practice of renouncing perfectionism in all its forms: insatiable striving, compulsive busy-ness, corrosive dissatisfaction with ourselves and the world.
Like broken pottery made more beautiful with the repair, let us open to God’s work moving through us. And in renouncing the need to be perfect, let us open to the infinite love God has for each of us in every moment.
We invite you to the observance of a holy Lent. Check the schedule below for ways to engage with Lent, and stay tuned for more details.
Lent 2023
February 22 – April 8
Lenten Book Study: “The Lives We Actually Have,” by Kate Bowler
Sundays at 10 AM – Sunday Forum
Wednesdays at 6 PM – Wednesday Night Conversations
Or read on your own
As a whole parish, we invite you to dig into “The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days.” During Sunday Forums we’ll watch video clips and reflect on the book’s themes, focusing on the blessedness of recognizing and loving who we are. Wednesday nights we’ll follow a discussion guide to explore those themes, connect and share our personal stories. Contact Gabe if you need help finding the book.
Lent 1
Sunday, February 26
8 AM, 9 AM and 11 AM – Holy Eucharist
Lenten book theme: Blessed Are The Imperfect (Matthew 4:1-11)
Lent 2
Sunday, March 5
8 AM, 9 AM and 11 AM – Holy Eucharist
Lenten book theme: Blessed Are The Curious (John 3:1-17)
Visible Mending
Saturday, March 11 at The Trees
2 – 5 PM – Visible mending is the art of repairing clothes in visually appealing ways. Mending clothes today can be a centering experience, and a way to keep your favorite clothes out of the landfill. Join us for an afternoon of peaceful time tending to yourself and your loved pieces. All genders, identities and sewing abilities are invited!
Limited to 15 participants. To sign up, email TheTreesRetreat@gmail.com
Lent 3
Sunday, March 12
8 AM, 9 AM and 11 AM – Holy Eucharist
Lenten book theme: Blessed Are Those Who Suffer (Romans 5:1-11)
Quiet Day
Saturday, March 18 at The Trees
9 AM – 3 PM – Gabe will lead a day of quiet contemplation, prayer and reflection. The lion’s share of the day will be devoted to quiet reflection and meditation punctuated by contemplative worship. A simple lunch will be served.
Fire Pit Social
Saturday, March 18 at The Trees
6 – 8 PM – Bring your favorite marshmallow roasting stick and join us for intergenerational fellowship around the fire pit. We’ll have s’mores fixings outside and March Madness basketball on a big screen in the house. Bring nonalcoholic drinks or snacks to share if you want, but you only need to bring yourselves. Come as you are!
To sign up, RSVP to Liz Sappenfield.
Lent 4
Sunday, March 19
8 AM, 9 AM and 11 AM – Holy Eucharist
Lenten book theme: Blessed Are The Lonely (Psalm 23)
Lent 5
Sunday, March 26
8 AM, 9 AM and 11 AM – Holy Eucharist
Lenten book theme: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn (John 11:1-45)
Spring Hike
Sunday, March 26 at The Trees
2 – 4 PM – Explore the trails at The Trees while learning about tree species, plant communities and the connection between the property’s creek and the Eno River. We’ll hike on trails, noting there may be slippery sections, roots and downed logs.
Limited to 20 participants. Click here to sign up.
