Lent 2025
Dear Friends,
“Under construction!” From the Corbin District downtown, to our own Chapel renovation this past fall—not to mention the work we may yet do as a result of Renew & Reimagine—we know that construction can bring its share of joys and challenges. It can be messy and slow, but also full of excitement, promise, and hope for the future.
As Christians, we know that “faith” is never static, it’s always dynamic – and it’s always under construction.
This Lent, we are going to explore some of the foundational “building blocks” of our faith. Explore the Lord’s Prayer through DOCC, the Nicene Creed in Discovery Hour, or the Letter to the Romans in Bible Study. Try committing to a new prayer practice–like Morning Prayer or Friday Stations of the Cross. Put your faith in action by exploring a new ministry or volunteering with one of our Outreach partners.
Start putting the pieces together, hang your “under construction” sign, and see how these 40 days might build you up in faith, hope, and love. Spiritual growth is not necessarily easy, but it is always worth it.
Blessings for a holy Lent, and may God bring us all to the joys of Easter,
The Rev. Ryan Fleenor, Rector
Begin these 40 Days in community
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 4 | 6-7:15pm in the Parish Hall
Shrove Tuesday, the final day before Lent begins, is traditionally a day for pre-fasting indulgence. Join us for a parish-wide supper of pancakes, bacon, sausages, and fruit, prepared by SLP’s Men’s Group. Let’s indulge together before the season of preparation begins! All are welcome!
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 5
Lent is a time of repentance, re-dedication, and renewal: a 40-day season of penitential preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of particular solemnity as we begin our Lenten journey. Please join us for worship on this holy day.
Services of Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes
- 8am | Chapel, spoken
- 12pm | Chapel, with hymns
- 5pm | Chapel, for children & families
- 7pm | Church, with choir & hymns (also livestreamed)
“Ashes to Go” will be offered between 6-7am at Noroton Heights Train Station by our Lay Ministers.
Youth Group Ash Wednesday Dinner & Church
Wednesday, March 5 | 6:30-8pm
All 6-12 Graders are invited to share a meal before attending church and receiving ashes together at 7pm.
Commit to a new prayer practice
Start your morning with Daily Lenten Reflections
Wake up to an email offering a short reflection written by a fellow parishioner on the day’s Scripture reading. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pray each day with the “Daily Office”
Monday to Friday at 8am & Thursday at 6:30pm
Begin and end your day with a quiet, meditative 20 minute service of Psalms, Bible readings and prayers. Drawn from the Book of Common Prayer, Morning and Evening Prayer are gems of the Anglican spiritual tradition. Join us in person in the Chapel or on your own with prayer.forwardmovement.org.
Travel “The Way of the Cross” each Friday
Fridays, 12:30-1pm | March 7 – April 11
The Saint Luke’s Stations of the Cross, composed of fourteen framed woodcuts, depict the sorrow & agony of Christ’s Passion. “Walking” this path each Friday is a powerful and meaningful Lenten practice. All are welcome!
Make confession: The Rite of Reconciliation
Lent is a time to focus on returning to right relationship with God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Did you know that our Prayer Book offers the Rite of Reconciliation (also known as Confession)? You can read the liturgy, which begins on page 447 of the Book of Common Prayer. Interested? Contact any member of the clergy.
Instructed eucharist course for children
March 9 – April 6 | Sunday mornings from 9-9:45am | Great Room
The Episcopal Church invites every baptized member to receive communion, so instead of the First Communion Class you may remember from your youth, this five-week course teaches an age-appropriate Instructed Eucharist for ages 4 and up. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Join a Virtual Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
March 7 from 10am-4pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, New Canaan
Lent is sometimes described as a pilgrimage from Ashes to Alleluia. Begin this Lent with a day-long retreat for Episcopalians all over Connecticut, hosted by St. Mark’s in New Canaan.
Join Bishop Jeffrey Mello and Canon Iyad Qumri, from the Diocese of Jerusalem, in New Canaan to participate in a “virtual pilgrimage” through Jerusalem– including St. George’s Cathedral, the Old City, Temple Mount, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You will be given time to pause, reflect, meditate, and pray as you walk in the footsteps of & learn more about the ministry of Jesus. Your day will conclude “walking” the Via Dolorosa, praying the Stations of the Cross.
This workshop is geared toward those who want to learn about pilgrimages to the Holy Land, those who have been on pilgrimage but want a refresher, or anyone who would like to go but cannot afford the time or expense of a full trip. Fee of $25; includes Mediterranean lunch. Click here to register or call 203-966-4515.
Explore some of our “building blocks of faith”
Join us for Discovery Hour Forums on Sundays
Sundays at 9am | Parish Hall
We say it together each week, but how often do you stop to think about what The Nicene Creed really means? Created by the First Council of Nicaea in 325, the Creed turns 1700 years old this year! To mark this anniversary, we will take a dive into the Creed—what it means, and what it means for us to still say it week by week.
Engage in Bible Study
Mondays from 12-1pm | Taylor Room
Join us once or each week during Lent, as we study Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Read, reflect and discuss this important letter which offers an expansive vision of who is included in God’s life and love and a call to practical application and proclamation of the gospel.
Go Deep with DOCC
Tuesdays 12-1:30pm (begins Mar 4) or Thursdays 7-8:30pm (begins Mar 6)
Deepen your faith and build meaningful connections as we explore The Lord’s Prayer and big questions it raises, such as: Who is God for you? What makes a meaningful life? How do I forgive? What happens when I die? DOCC (Disciples of Christ in Community) is open to all seeking fellowship & a deeper exploration of faith. Register now for this 8-week program.
