Resources for Lent 2012
We have compiled a varied list of recommended resources for Lent 2012 for both groups and individuals, including books, courses and websites. If you've ever wanted to learn how to create a labyrinth installation in your church or how to be more like Jesus while watching television, you'll find it all here!
If you have any suggestions for resources to add to the list, please email us at comms@bathwells.anglican.org
What is Lent?
Resources for Lent:
Charity campaigns
Books and courses
Children and young people
Resources for churches
Mothering Sunday
Films
What is Lent?
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation, prayer and penance before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
Lent was traditionally marked by fasting, both from food and festivities, with the sacrifice reflecting Jesus’ deprivation in the wilderness and as a test of self discipline. Only a small number of people today fast for the whole of Lent; it is more common to give up a particular ‘vice’ such as unhealthy food or smoking. In 2012, Lent starts on Wednesday 9 March.
More information on Lent can be found on the BBC website.
Resources for Lent
Charity Campaigns
WaterAid – What will your church give up for Lent?
Bring your chu
rch together and ask everyone to give something up this Lent. By donating the money you save in ‘jars of change’, you could help families in the world’s poorest countries access the safe water and sanitation they so desperately need. To find out more visit the WaterAid website
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Books and Courses
Experiencing God's Love
Get More Like Jesus While Watching TV
Damaris' book on television, holiness and outreach, was turned into a multi-media, five-session course last year - and still relevant in 2012. You can download the leader's guide, PowerPoint presentations and worksheets for free. The book argues that television is more than just chewing gum for the eyes; it's a vital tool for sharing the Christian faith with friends, family and neighbours. More information is available on the Damaris website.
21M – the CMS Lent Study Course
This DVD and downloadable resources explore the Five Marks of Mission for the 21st century. Find out more at the CMS website.
Recommended reading
A list of books has been compiled, along with reviews; all are available from the Resource Centre at the Old Deanery, Wells.
Children & Young People
The Diocesan’s Children & Young People’s team has developed a wide range of guides and resources for people working with children and young people. All the ideas can be adapted and include ideas for family worship. Booklets that might be useful for Lent and Easter include:
• Some ideas for Lent
• Some ideas for Mothering Sunday
• Some ideas for Holy week
• An idea for a Holiday Club for Holy Week
• Some ideas for Easter
• Creative prayer for Easter
To get a copy of any of these titles, please email Sarah Lockie or call 01749 685134.
Resources for Churches
Love Life Live Lent
Love Life Live Lent is a new way of marking Lent. Instead of giving up chocolate or going on a detox, it encourages people to undertake a simple act of generosity each day. The actions are small and fun to do, but make a real difference in homes, families and communities.
The Love Life Live Lent book and booklets contain over 40 simple things to do during Lent: one action for each day. These actions help us to transform our world - locally, nationally and globally. With separate booklets for kids and for adults/youth, a book for families and supporting resources for churches and schools, everyone can get involved! Visit the Love Life Live Lent website to find out more.
The Labyrinth
‘The Labyrinth’ is an interactive installation for spiritual journeys, first run in St Paul’s Cathedral London in 2000. The visitor is taken on a journey incorporating a series of ‘stations’. Each station has an associated meditation to listen to (or read) with accompanying ritual activity. Find out more at www.labyrinth.org.uk.
A kit was developed in a physical format to help people run their own labyrinths which proved very popular and Proost has now made it available as a download. This includes a leader’s guide with all the instructions for setting it up and two movies that go with a couple of the stations. For more info and to download the kit visit the Proost website.
Mothering Sunday
The fourth Sunday in Lent is called Mothering Sunday. In 2012 it falls on Sunday 18 March. There are traditions associated with Mothering Sunday in England which date back as long ago as the 16th century. It is told that this was the day when people were encouraged to return to worship in their ‘mother church' where they had been baptised.
We'll upload resources as we find them!
Make a Mother's Day
A range of ethical gifts from the Mothers' Union.
Films
40
Forty illustrations drawn one Lent by illustrator Si Smith have been put into a movie follow Jesus' journey into the wilderness, with a soundtrack by Revive’s Hug. Popular with all age groups. To download a copy, visit the Proost website.
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