A Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage

          This year, we will not be able to meet in person for any sort of mid-week Lenten series.  Hence, I am inviting you to join me in a virtual Lenten pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  This Lenten series, which is entitled “A River Through the Desert,” is facilitated by St. George’s College in Jerusalem.

          Each week, our reflections will focus on a different setting in the Holy Land.  Over a period of six weeks, we will visit the desert, the water well, the mountain, the sea, the road, and the garden.  Written materials will be emailed each week, which will include the following:

• A written reflection on the setting we are considering and its significance in the Bible and in our lives
• A link to a brief YouTube video exploring the setting
• A Bible passage for our consideration and study
• Discussion questions for personal or group use

I am asking those who are interested in joining me on this pilgrimage to please let me know.  I will be emailing the materials for each week on the Sundays in Lent.  You will be able to do the reading and watch the video on your own time during the week.

I am also asking you to let me know if you would like to talk about the discussion questions with others over Zoom.  The timing of these conversations will depend on who is interested and when those people are available during the week.

There will also be two “Live from Jerusalem” webinars as part of this pilgrimage.  These will be at 7:00 pm Central on Wednesday, Feb. 24th and also on Wednesday, March 24th.  These can be viewed live at 7:00 pm or on YouTube after the fact.

Lent begins this year on February 17th, which is Ash Wednesday.  Our Ash Wednesday service will be Live at 4:00 pm, and will be available after that time as well.  As for Holden Evening Prayer, I hope to make this service available online each Wednesday evening from Feb. 24 to Mar. 24.  The readings we use will be related to the settings we are visiting in our virtual pilgrimage.  These services might be pre-recorded rather than live because of the webinars that are also on Wednesday evenings.

If you have never had an opportunity to visit the Holy Land, this is a wonderful opportunity for a virtual visit.  At the same, if you have been there in person, this is an opportunity to bring to mind once again those places where Jesus walked.

A River Through the Desert is an apt title for these times that seem so similar to wandering in the wilderness.  It is part of the message of hope that God gave to the people through Isaiah during their years in exile.

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isa. 43:19).

Thus says the Lord!

          In this pandemic-weary world, so many people could use a river in the desert right now.  May all of us be renewed this Lent, and experience the rivers of living water that flow from the hearts of believers (Jn. 7:38).

          In Christ,

          Pastor Lynne Hutchison