What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day season of reflection and preparation leading up to Resurrection Sunday. It begins on Ash Wednesday and commemorates Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Sundays are not counted, as they are already a celebration of Christ’s resurrection). Lent is not just a season of denial but a call to realignment—a reordering of our affections toward what is true and eternal. By setting aside lesser things, we make room for something greater: the presence of God shaping our hearts. If we fast from indulgence, it is not for its own sake, but to remind ourselves that strength and satisfaction come from Him alone. If we step away from distractions, it is so that we may better hear His voice and love those around us more fully. Every sacrifice, rightly understood, is an invitation to deeper joy. By loosening our grip on the temporary, we take firmer hold of the everlasting. Lent is not about loss but about finding what was always meant to be ours—more of Christ, more of His love, and more of the life that is truly life.

Therefore, Lent is a time to:

Reflect on our sin, mortality, and need for God’s grace.
Examine the sincerity of our discipleship.
Practice self-denial and charity.
Prepare our hearts for the joy of Resurrection Sunday.

Lenten Opportunities at Perry Creek

Ash Wednesday

Date: Wednesday, March 5th
Time: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Smooth Joe Coffee
Details: Stop by to pray with an elder and receive ashes as a reminder of our need for repentance and the redemption Jesus provides. The words of Genesis 3:19— "you are dust, and to dust you shall return"— will be read.

Lenten Sermon Series

Throughout Lent, our sermons will focus on forgiveness. We encourage members to engage in Lenten practices that align with this theme.

Tenebrae Service

Date: Good Friday
Details: A service of shadows and darkness, reflecting on Jesus’ last hours. As Scriptures are read, candles are extinguished until only one remains, symbolizing Christ’s death and burial. The service ends in silence, allowing us to anticipate the joy of Easter.

Practicing Lent: Ways to Observe

Many Christians choose to fast, reflect, or serve during Lent. Here are some ways to participate:

Spiritual Practices

Read through all 4 Gospels during Lent.
Memorize 40 verses related to faith and repentance.
Meditate on sin lists or virtue lists in Scripture.
Pray daily, focusing on confession and gratitude.

Fasting & Self-Denial

Consider fasting from something that distracts you from spiritual growth:

Food – Fast for a day each week or from a specific meal daily.
Entertainment – Reduce or eliminate TV, video games, or social media.
Comfort items – Give up coffee, chocolate, alcohol, or meat.

Replacing What You Give Up

Lent isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about replacing it with something that draws you closer to God or serves others. Consider these reflection questions:

If you give up junk food for a healthier diet, how will you channel the extra energy into serving others?
If you choose to forgo reading magazines, what inspiring books or devotionals will you explore instead?
If you step away from social media, to whom will you offer your time and meaningful conversation?
If you skip a meal, how will you depend on God for the nourishing “food from heaven” that strengthens your spirit?
If you cut back on TV, how will you use that time to foster closer, more quality moments with your family?
If you overcome isolation, in what ways will you actively reach out and become part of our community?
If you reduce unnecessary shopping, how might you share your resources with those in need in your neighborhood?
Having surrendered any form of selfish indulgence, how will you intentionally meet the needs of others around you?

Preparing for Resurrection Sunday

Lent leads us to the celebration of Easter, when we rejoice in Jesus’ victory over sin and death! By engaging in these Lenten practices, we prepare our hearts to fully experience the joy and hope of Christ’s resurrection.

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