Book of Faith and Lent

[Chad King]

Looking ahead to the upcoming Lenten season, is anyone doing anything special with a Book of Faith focus to encourage growth of biblical literacy and fluency during that time?

[Steve Laufman]

I just received word that the community services I mentioned will be centered on the 40-day Lenten Journey.

[Sara Jensen]

When a previous congregation worked through a similar book and asked people to make a 40 day commitment, some of them did it because the books were free for everyone and they respected the man who donated them. He donated enough copies for every family (plus a few extras) in the congregation in memory of his wife who had recently died and was a beloved saint in the congregation. I'm considering asking for a similar donation for the 40 day Lenten journey books.

[John O'Bryan]

I like the idea of having a person donate the books for the first Book of Faith initiative. Perhaps there is a fund in your congregation that would entail the council approving this if no one else can/will donate the books. We sometimes have memorial funds from deceased members of our congregations that we can pull out of for specific areas of concern.
We will be using Lenten Journey for our first foray as well, with classes on Wednesday mornings and evenings before the Lenten service. Our pastor is considering using the lectionary provided on the Augsburg site for at least the Wednesday services. I have included the files below.

[Sigi Helgeson]

I just had a conversation with Augsburg and they sold out of the 40 day Lenten journey books...they printed 5,000, and had to order 2000 more and now are sold out and are out of print..but if you still need copies contact Augsburg...as they are considering doing print on demand orders...but I would call them right away!

[Kristina Patten]

Sigi, you're absolutely right, we did sell out of our original 5,000 copies and the additional 2,000. We're amazed that the demand for the book has been so high! In working with our vendors, we've been able to arrange for more copies to be sent to our distribution center. So, the good news is, you can still order your copies!

[Sara Jensen]

I haven't ordered mine yet, so I will be calling tomorrow!

Also, is anyone going to use the 40 day journey with youth? I'm wondering if the devotional would be above their heads. Has anyone looked at it closely and could give some insight?

[Daniel W Fulmer]

It occurs to me to pray for guidance on what Lent could be for me this year. I am actually going to be on a cruise during Easter week, leaving Fort Lauderdale for Europe on April 3rd. That will be different, but for me it is about relying on God and Jesus to lead me....here ...and there. Below is a prayer I just came across:

A Prayer of Self-Dedication

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.