Ash Wednesday (2/17) kicks off the 40 days before Easter, known as Lent. At Redemption we have traditionally participated in this rhythm in the church calendar and we are going to lean into this season together again this year.
In the early Church, Lent was an intense period of preparation for baptism on Easter. The tradition has evolved over the centuries and has come to be a time of preparation for Easter focused on prayer, fasting, and giving. It is a wonderfully reflective time of repentance and contemplation that focuses us on Jesus and the sacrifice he made on the cross. We are invited again to journey with Christ in the wilderness, to the cross and ultimately into new life and hope.
As a community, we want to use this time to release, listen and discern. We are inviting you into two weeks of releasing, two weeks of listening, and two weeks of discerning. We are taking this season collectively to release- where we’ve been, listen to the Lord, ourselves, each other and discern where that leads us next. We are communally seeking God together.
Week 3- March 1st- March 7th, 2021
This week our theme is listen. As we continue on this Lenten journey, we are setting up a posture to listen.
Prayer Practice
The Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer is our prayer practice this week. This prayer is a form of silent prayer centered on opening our hearts to the presence of God. It is a helpful practice for cultivating deeper listening and awareness of the presence of God throughout your day to day.
Bonus Resources:
Lent Prayer Practices for Kids
Our Kids Ministry team has developed ways for you to practice these same prayer practices with your children.
Have trouble identifying your feelings? Check out this resource , CurrentMood, created by Brandon Arbini (join him for prayer Wed. morning at 7am)
Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times
by Soong Chan Ra
Join us in a communal fast each Wednesday during Lent. As we are able to, we give up food for breakfast and lunch to focus our full attention on God. You are invited to connect with the community for prayer and support on zoom on fast days during:
Morning Prayer – 7am- set our intention for the day
Midday Prayer – 12:15pm- reset our focus on the daily intention
Evening Reflection – 5:15pm- reflect on how we saw God at work
Zoom Link for All Wednesday Prayer Points:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 862 3221 2022
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,86232212022# US (San Jose)
New to Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline?
Each week we will have multiple opportunities to connect in community. Check back here for details each week. The connections for the next two weeks are:
Neighborhood Prayer Walks
As we set ourselves to listen, lift your head and attentively, prayerfully walk your neighborhood. What do you hear? Use this guide to host your own: Prayer Walk Guides
Sunday Feb. 28 at 10:00am
Eastside Costa Mesa Prayer Walk.
Meet at the Kaiser Elementary School at South parking lot.
Hosted by Madeline Lany.
Monday March 1 at 7:30am
Civic Center Prayer Walk. Park at Costa Mesa City Hall- 77 Fair Dr. and we will walk from there. Hosted by Christine Nolf.
Thursday March 4 at 4:30pm
Westside Prayer Walk. Park at the Courtyards center at Harbor + 19th St. Meet at the fountain by the Spectrum store. Hosted by Nick Corbett and Christine Nolf
Rhythm of Prayer Book Club– Women’s Gathering
We are offering two options of times to discuss this beautiful book and pray together.
Please RSVP so we can send you the address. Each gathering will be hosted outside and runs for four weeks.
Choose one:
Thursdays starting 3/4- 8:15am-9:15am- hosted by Allison Sanden
Thursdays starting 3/4 – 10:30am-12pm- hosted by Alana Andrews
Men’s Backyard Hang
March 10th, 7:30-9:30 pm in Matt Andrew’s Backyard. Please RSVP for the address.
Women’s Event
March 12th, 6:00pm at Jess Rollison’s House. Please RSVP for the address.
These Connections Happen Every Week:
Playdates: For kids 5 years old and under (and their parents)
Bring out those new babies we haven’t met yet!
Fridays 10am –12pm- Balearic Park
Hosted by Valerie Hass and Jessica Rollison
Saturdays 9am -Canyon Park
Hosted by Joey Nargizian
Playdates: For elementary age kids (and their parents)
Mondays at the Beach- 8am- Tower 24 at Blackies
Hosted by Alissa Beamish
Wednesdays 3PM Lindbergh School Park
Hosted by Allison Sanden
6th graders and up
Youth Group- Middle Schoolers- Thursdays- 6:30-8pm
Hosted by Jenny and Erik Paulson
Text Alex for the address- 703-217-9956
Wednesdays 6:30-8pm
@ HQ 1718 Monrovia Ave.
Youth Group- High Schoolers
Hosted by Alex Marrs and the High School Leaders