a new direction
DESCRIPTION
University United Methodist Church 2014 Lenten Practices CalendarTRANSCRIPT
A New Direction is a daily invitation to experience the season of Lent. Each day of the week has been assigned a particular mode of spiritual practice to encourage intentional time of daily growth. Because Sundays are not traditionally counted in the 40 days of Lent, they are included as days of celebration of life and God’s gifts to us. The other days cycle through the practices of reflection, connection, awareness, discernment, taking things on and giving things up.
This daily calendar is not meant to be another task to complete. Rather, it is a tool to help awaken you more fully to your reliance upon God ... and God’s loving presence in the day-to-day moments that shape your life.
The season of Lent reminds us that after Jesus was baptized and before his ministry began, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted for 40 days. During this time, Christ was tempted to give in to the vices of power, instant gratification and pride.
Starting on Ash Wednesday, the University UMC community of faith begins its own 40-day journey to reflect and discern God’s movement in our lives, and to acknowledge our own temptations that lead us from our identity as children of God. With the Spirit’s guidance, the journey of Lent is an opportunity to turn our hearts toward God and allow our thoughts and practices to move in a new direction.
To learn more about Lenten practices within the tradition of the United Methodist Church, please visit www.uumc.org/lent
Remember you are dust ...
and to dust you shall return.
Join us forUniversity UMC’s “Sanctuary on the Sidewalk” Imposition of Ashes on Guadalupe Street Noon
Ash Wednesday Traditional Sanctuary Service Begin the new direction of the Lenten journey 6:30 pm
Week One | Awareness
ASH WEDNESDAYMarch 5
Read Psalm 51:1-17Learn more about contemplative
methods for reading the Bible www.uumc.org/lent
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week One | Discernment
THURSDAYMarch 6
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 51; Jonah 3:1-10
Romans 1:1-7
Examine areas of resistance in your life through this prayer
The Welcoming PrayerWelcome, welcome, welcome. I welcome everything that comes to me today because I know it’s for my healing. I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations and conditions. I let go of my desire for power and control. I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval and pleasure. I let go of my desire for survival and security. I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself. I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within. Amen. by Father Thomas Keating
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Take an intentional look back for a moment at each doorway you walk through today. If a person is following behind you, hold the door open and say, “Hello.”
Reflect upon or share your experiences with this practice during your evening meal. Was this experience meaningful? Did it really matter whether you held the door
open or not? What faith-lessons did you discover when you engaged this practice?
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week One | Taking On
FRIDAYMarch 7
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 51; Jonah 4:1-11
Romans 1:8-17
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week One | Giving Up
SATURDAYMarch 8
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 51, Isaiah 58:1-12
Matthew 18:1-7
Bring canned food items to University UMC tomorrow or during the week ahead in support of Micah 6. Place
your donations in one of our “A New Direction” bins located in the north
and south Sanctuary lobbies.
Donations will be given to Austin’s Micah 6 ministryLearn more about Micah 6 at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
List 10 people you are grateful for having in
your life
Write a short note to one of those people and send itYou’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Two | Celebration
SUNDAYMarch 9
Today’s ReadingsGenesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Reflect on the meanings you find in this poem
Put your ear to the ground and listen:hurried, worried footsteps,bitterness, rebellion.Hope hasn’t yet begun.Listen again.Put out feelers.The Lord is there.(God) is far less likely to abandon us in hardshipthan in times of ease.
- Dom Helder Camara, Brazil
Week Two | Reflection
MONDAYMarch 10
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 32, 1 Kings 19:1-8
Hebrews 2:10-18
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Pay special attention today to ways that you connect with service workers.
Do you make eye contact? Do you engage in conversation? Reflect on the
ways that people go unnoticed during your day.
Week Two | Connection
TUESDAYMarch 11
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 32, Genesis 4:1-16
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Watch this short video about wealth inequality in America:View this video at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
Week Two | Awareness
WEDNESDAYMarch 12
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 32; Exodus 34:1-9, 27-28
Matthew 18:10-14
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Do you allow achievement, money or career pursuits to have the greatest value in your life?
How might you rely upon God to overcome these attractions?
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Two | Discernment
THURSDAYMarch 13
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 121; Isaiah 51:1-3
2 Timothy 1:3-7
How might you stand upfor someone?
Be mindful of the waysothers are diminished.
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Two | Taking On
FRIDAYMarch 14
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 121; Micah 7:18-20
Romans 3:21-31
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Two | Giving Up
SATURDAYMarch 15
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 121; Isaiah 51:4-8
Luke 7:1-10
Give up soda, coffee or other common drinks this week. Donate the money you’d normally spend.
Week Three | Celebration
SUNDAYMarch 16
Today’s ReadingsGenesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Imagine yourself in this poem by Denise Levertov
As swimmers dareto lie face to the sky
and water bears them,as hawks rest upon airand air sustains them,
so would I learn to attain freefall, and float
into the Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,knowing no effort earns
that all-surrounding grace.
Christ with me, Christ before me,Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height,Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,Christ in every eye that sees me,Christ in every ear that hears me.
From “St. Patrick’s Lorica”
Week Three | Reflection
MONDAYMarch 17
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 128; Numbers 21:4-9
Hebrews 3:1-6
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Three | Connection
TUESDAYMarch 18
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 128; Isaiah 65:17-25
Romans 4:6-13
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Make a commitment to serve and connect with those who are on the margins.
Need an idea? RSVP today for University UMC’s Lenten project to build a wheelchair ramp and make security repairs at OutYouth, a group that promotes the well-being of sexual and gender minority youth so they may openly and safely explore and affirm their identi-ties. Adult-supervised children & youth are welcome.
• When & Where: Sat. Mar. 29. Carpool from church at 8:30 am to OutYouth, 909 E. 49 1/2 St., 78751. Return at 5 pm.
• Bring: Hammer, safety goggles, saw, sunscreen, sturdy shoes. Lunch & water provided.
• RSVP: Rev. Bill Frisbie at 512-478-9387 or [email protected]• Learn more: www.outyouth.org
Listen to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’sTED Talk: “The Danger of a Single Story”
View this video at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
Week Three | Awareness
WEDNESDAYMarch 19
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 128; Ezekiel 36:22-32
John 7:53-8:11
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Three | Discernment
THURSDAYMarch 20
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 95; Exodus 16:1-8
Colossians 1:15-23
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Today is the first day of Spring.
Where do you see clues of new life around you?
Specifically, where is Godworking to “make things new”
in your life?
Week Three | Taking On
FRIDAYMarch 21
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 95; Exodus 16:9-21
Ephesians 2:11-22
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Keep in your car individual servings of fruit, tuna or water to give to others.
Week Three | Giving Up
SATURDAYMarch 22
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 95; Exodus 16:27-35
John 4:1-6
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Clean out your closets and find clothing you no longer use or need. Bring these items to
University UMC tomorrow or during the week ahead. Place your donations in one of our“A New Direction” bins located in the north
and south Sanctuary lobbies. Donations will go to the UMC Austin District’s Free Store
and our UUMC Fig Leaf Clothes ClosetLearn more about these ministries: www.uumc.org/lent
Week Four | Celebration
SUNDAYMarch 23
Today’s ReadingsExodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Go to a park, your backyard,an open space, a recreation room.
Now, play. That’s right.
Just Play!
Week Four | Reflection
MONDAYMarch 24
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 81; Genesis 24:1-27
2 John 1-13
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Find breaks throughoutthe day to recite this prayer
God unheld by word or wall;lift us from dullness and cynical contempt;
make us ready for your Spiritand turn our hearts
to the mending of the world.Amen.
Week Four | Connection
TUESDAYMarch 25
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 81; Genesis 29:1-14
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Call a relative or a friend you’ve missed
Week Four | Awareness
WEDNESDAYMarch 26
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 81; Jeremiah 2:4-13
John 7:14-31, 37-39
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Listen to this beautiful and challenging poem by Andrea Gibson about
“right & wrong”View this video at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
Week Four | Discernment
THURSDAYMarch 27
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:10-21
Ephesians 4:25-32
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Draw a picture of a struggle that is present in your life.
Week Four | Taking On
FRIDAYMarch 28
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:22-31
Ephesians 5:1-9
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Bring new or gently-used Caldecott or Newbery award-winning books to University UMC tomorrow or during the week ahead. Place your donations in one of our “A New
Direction” bins located in the north and south Sanctuary lobbies.
For a list of books that have received a Caldecott or Newbery honor, visit our church website: www.uumc.org/lent. Your donations will help
enrich the classroom libraries at our partner school, Zavala Elementary.
Week Four | Giving Up
SATURDAYMarch 29
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:32-34
John 1:1-9
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Quietly go withouta meal today
What does hunger teach us about ourreliance upon God?
What does it teach us aboutour compassion for others?
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Celebration
SUNDAYMarch 30
Today’s Readings1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Celebrate “One Great Hour of Sharing” at University UMC during our worship services at 8:30 and 11 am today. Our community of faith
will dedicate a special offering to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which provides immediate assistance across the globe
to those who are caught in the wake of disasters. UMCOR helps support ongoing ministries of
food, shelter, health and peace.Learn more about UMCOR at www.uumc.org/lent
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Reflection
MONDAYMarch 31
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 146; Isaiah 59:9-19
Acts 9:1-20
Find breaks throughoutthe day to recite this prayer
Spirit of the desert, you drove Jesus to the edge of the world to find his truth and calling: scour our hearts
and awaken our hunger that, freed from empty clinging,we might find ourselves in you; through Jesus Christ,
Amen.
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Connection
TUESDAYApril 1
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 146; Isaiah 42:14-21
Colossians 1:9-14
Eat a simple meal tonight of rice and beans, a staple food in many cultures around the world. If you have
children, encourage them to join you in cooking.
In what ways do the foods we eat connect uswith others around the globe?
Notice where the food you eat today was grown or produced. Pray for those places and the people who produce your food.
Pray for places where food is scarce.
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Awareness
WEDNESDAYApril 2
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 146; Isaiah 60:17-22
Matthew 9:27-34
Read this list of examples ofChristian privileges in the United States
Find this list at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Discernment
THURSDAYApril 3
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 130; Ezekiel 1:1-3; 2:8-3:3
Revelation 10:1-11
Try to memorize this prayer for discernmentEverywhere I walk,
let it be on Your path. Everything I see,
let it be through Your eyes. Everything I do,
Let it be Your will. Every hardship I face,
let me place it in Your hands. Every emotion I feel,
let it be Your spirit moving in me. Everything I seek,
let me find it in Your love. You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Taking On
FRIDAYApril 4
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 130; Ezekiel 33:10-16
Revelation 11:15-19
Take on this invitation to learn:
Join us tonight at 7 pm at University UMC for a lecture byDr. Marcus Borg as he discusses how we might “reclaim” Christian
language. A major figure in scholarship related to the Historical Jesus, Borg is the author of 20 books and serves as Canon
Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon.
If you have not already registered for this event,please RSVP now by email to: [email protected]
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Five | Giving Up
SATURDAYApril 5
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 130; Ezekiel 36:8-15
Luke 24:44-53
Turn off anything with a screen today: cell phones, computers, televisions, video games, electronic devices.
This evening, reflect upon your“screen-free” day or discuss it
with others. What lessons from this experience can you
relate to your faith? You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Celebration
SUNDAYApril 6
Today’s ReadingsEzekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45
Pick a small bouquet of wildflowers and deliver it
to a friend or stranger
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Reflection
MONDAYApril 7
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 143; 1 Kings 17:17-24
Acts 20:7-12
Find a solitary place outside to reflect on this prayer
Grant me the ability to be aloneMay it be my custom to go outdoors each dayamong the trees and grasses,among all growing thingsand there may I be alone,and enter into prayerto talk with the onethat I belong to. -- Rabbi Nachman, of Bratzlav, Poland
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Connection
TUESDAYApril 8
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 143; 2 Kings 4:18-37
Ephesians 2:1-10
Instead of e-mailing or texting others, make a choice to speak face-to-face when possible today.
Do this with co-workers, family members and friends.
What lessons did you learn from this experience?Reflect upon how often you favor technology
rather than personal contact.
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Awareness
WEDNESDAYApril 9
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 143;
Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41Matthew 22:23-33
Listen to the poem “Shrinking Women” by Lily Myers
View this video at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Discernment
THURSDAYApril 10
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 31:9-16; 1 Samuel 16:11-13
Philippians 1:1-11
Spend 30 minutes in silence today
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Taking On
FRIDAYApril 11
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 31:9-16; Job 13:13-19
Philippians 1:21-30
Pick up pieces of trash in your neighborhood or
local park
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Week Six | Giving Up
SATURDAYApril 12
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 31:9-16
Lamentations 3:55-66Mark 10:32-34
If you have a social media account (such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), go for the day without checking or
updating it
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Celebration
PALM SUNDAYApril 13
Today’s ReadingsPsalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Matthew 21:1-11
As we begin Holy Week, we remember Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem, where his message of love and justice confronted the world’s distorted
systems of domination and empire
Traditional Worship Services in the Sanctuary8:30 and 11 am
Contemporary Worship Service at“The Well” in Harris Chapel
11 am You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Reflection
MONDAYApril 14
Today’s ReadingsIsaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11
Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11
Turn off the radio while you’re driving. Use the extra quiet time to pray forothers who are facing times of trial.
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Connection
TUESDAYApril 15
Today’s ReadingsIsaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-31John 12:20-36
Who do you recognize as a follower of Christ’s way?What qualities of Jesus do you see?
Make time today to let them know.
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Awareness
WEDNESDAYApril 16
Today’s ReadingsIsaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32
Read “Letter From A Birmingham Jail”by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Find this text at our website: www.uumc.org/lent
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Discernment
MAUNDY THURSDAYApril 17
Today’s ReadingsExodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-191 Corinthians 11:23-26John 13:1-17, 31b-35
How is God shaping your lifeto reflect these words of Jesus?
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34-35)
Join us tonight for our Maundy Thursday Service 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Taking On
GOOD FRIDAYApril 18
Today’s ReadingsIsaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22
Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
When has evil felt too big to take on?When have you stayed true to love, only to feel defeat? When have you echoed the cries of Jesus:“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Good Friday Services at UUMC7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
You’re invited to keep this page in your pocket today as a reminder of our Lenten journey
Holy Week | Giving Up
SATURDAYApril 19
Today’s ReadingsJob 14:1-14 or
Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16; 1 Peter 4:1-8Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
Have you been forced to “give up” someone or something dear to you? What loss of a dream are you still mourning?
How might your experiences with pain and grief help you identifywith the faithful women at Jesus’ tomb?
What stone do you needrolled away in your life to regain a sense of hope?
Come celebrate the plot-twisting, death-defeating
love that set the world in a new direction
Join us Easter Sunday atUNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2409 Guadalupe St. | Austin, Texas | 78705
8:30 & 11 am Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary
11 am Contemporary Worship Serviceat “The Well” in Harris Chapel
For more information, visit our website: www.uumc.orgFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/uumc