Journey Through Lent

A Lenten Journey of Reflection, Renewal and Action

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal—a time in the Lutheran tradition to turn our hearts toward God, deepen our faith, and live out Christ’s call to love and serve our neighbours. At a time when many are feeling spiritually weary—amid division, suffering, and uncertainty—the need for connection and faith-rooted action has never been greater. So we invite you to come along with us on a Lenten journey of reflection, action and hope as we explore the fundamental challenges that unite our shared experiences and shape our collective future.

Each week, we will focus on a theme—Hunger, Safety, Well-Being, Identity, Loss, Community, Nature and Faith—and reflect on how these issues shape our lives, our communities, and our world. Through scripture, discussion, and action, we will consider how God calls us to respond with justice, compassion, and hope. As we prepare for Easter, may this journey renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and inspire us to be agents of change, embodying Christ’s love in the world.

Week One: Hunger

Addressing hunger in its many forms. (Click here to download Week One activities as a PDF)

DAY 1: Scripture reflection
- Read John 6:35 and reflect on what it means to be generous with food and resources.
- Reflection questions:
  - Jesus provided food for the hungry but also pointed to a deeper kind of nourishment. What do you think it means to "never go hungry" or "never be thirsty" in a spiritual sense?
  - How does physical hunger affect a person’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive? How might spiritual hunger affect someone in a similar way?
  - In what ways can we help address both physical and spiritual hunger in our community and beyond?
DAY 2: Personal reflection & journaling
- How does hunger affect me?
- Reflect on moments when you’ve felt hunger—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
- Consider the role food plays in your daily life: How do you access it? How does it impact your well-being?
- Journal Prompt: Write about a time when you were truly hungry (for food, connection, or meaning). What did it feel like, and what helped satisfy that hunger?
DAY 3: Group testimony
- As a group/congregation, discuss food insecurity in your local area. Who is most affected, and what challenges do they face?
  - Research statistics on hunger in your region and share what you learn.
  - Group Activity: Identify a local food bank, school meal program, or soup kitchen and explore how they address food insecurity.
- Explore hunger on a global scale—what factors contribute (poverty, climate change, conflict)?
  - Read Lucio’s Story to learn how hunger affects children's education and future.
  - Discussion Question: How does food insecurity prevent people from reaching their full potential?
DAY 4: Personal and collective action
- Personal Action:
  - Fast from one meal and reflect on the experience.
  - Donate food or funds to a hunger relief program, like CLWR's Gifts of Food
- Community Action:
  - Organize a food drive for a local food pantry or school program.
  - Write to policymakers advocating for stronger food security policies.
DAY 5: Prayer and commitment
- Pray for those experiencing physical and spiritual hunger, that they may find nourishment, hope, and support.
- Pray also for those working to provide food and for guidance in how we can be part of this work.
- Commitment Challenge: What is one action you will take this week to be more mindful of hunger?

Week Two: Safety

Something about safety here....

DAY 1: Scripture reflection
- Read
- Reflection questions:
DAY 2: Personal reflection & journaling
DAY 3: Group testimony
DAY 4: Personal and collective action
- Personal Action:
- Community Action:
DAY 5: Prayer and commitment

Week Three: Well-being

Something about mental health here....

DAY 1: Scripture reflection
- Read
- Reflection questions:
DAY 2: Personal reflection & journaling
DAY 3: Group testimony
DAY 4: Personal and collective action
- Personal Action:
- Community Action:
DAY 5: Prayer and commitment

Week Four: Identity

Something about dignity, self-worth and confidence here....

DAY 1: Scripture reflection
- Read
- Reflection questions:
DAY 2: Personal reflection & journaling
DAY 3: Group testimony
DAY 4: Personal and collective action
- Personal Action:
- Community Action:
DAY 5: Prayer and commitment

Week Five: Loss

Something about loss and grief here....

DAY 1: Scripture reflection
- Read
- Reflection questions:
DAY 2: Personal reflection & journaling
DAY 3: Group testimony
DAY 4: Personal and collective action
- Personal Action:
- Community Action:
DAY 5: Prayer and commitment

Week Six: Community

Something about community and connection here....

DAY 1: Scripture reflection
- Read
- Reflection questions:
DAY 2: Personal reflection & journaling
DAY 3: Group testimony
DAY 4: Personal and collective action
- Personal Action:
- Community Action:
DAY 5: Prayer and commitment

Week Seven: Nature