Adult Formation in Lent
Lent Quiet Day
Sat., Feb. 25, 9 am to 3 pm
Tending the Flame
Join us for a day of prayer, quiet pondering and simple rituals that help us explore the rich spiritual symbolism of fire. The image of flame helps to focus our prayer. It can kindle our desire to stop “quenching the spirit” and become more fully alive. And in step with “Light the Fire!” (our current movement at St. C’s to renew active ministries of service) we will re-visit the imagery of Pentecost—the Holy Spirit’s flame rests on each one of us, empowering us to serve. This Lent Quiet Day will be led by the Rev. Martin Smith. Lunch will be provided at a cost of $12. No registration is needed, and we encourage you to invite friends.
Click here to download a printable flyer (PDF).
Lent Discussion Groups
Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith
by Nora Gallagher
Join one of six book groups that will meet during Lent to study this readable and imaginative book by award-winning Episcopal author Nora Gallagher. Things Seen and Unseen leads us with keen insight through the author’s inner and outer experience of a year in the life of her parish, helping us see how “the road to the sacred is paved with the ordinary.” This is a truly contemporary book, in which the language of service, grace and commitment is woven into the experience of suffering, uncertainty and emerging faith. The groups will be hosted in a variety of venues, including parishioners’ homes and at church, and will meet five times during Lent. Participants should purchase their own books or e-books; paper copies will be for sale in the bookstore. Questions? Please contact Terry Dowd (lentbookgroups@columba.org).
Click here to register online, or sign up in the Common on Sun., Feb. 12 and 19.
Group meeting times and places:
Sun. 7:30-9 pm St. Columba's (Group A)
Mon. 7:30-9 pm Cleveland Park (Group B)
Tues. 7:30-9 pm Chevy Chase (Group C)
Wed. 7-8:30 pm St. Columba's (Group D)
Thurs. 7:30-9 pm Tenleytown (Group E)
Fri. 7:30-8:30 am* St. Columba’s (Group F)
*Please note: This is a morning meeting.
Lent Reflections
SPARK: A resource for exploring
our call to be active in service
This guide for reflection and prayer during Lent is based on our current program for renewing our call to service, "Light the Fire!" Three reflections are provided for each week in Lent, exploring these facets of our call to be active in service: Service, Prayer, Advocacy, Relationships, Koinonia (meaning communion or fellowship). We encourage everyone to set aside three times each week to meditate on these rich topics.
New this year: Our Lent guide will not be mailed. We have printed a very limited number of copies (available at the Welcome tables in the Common and Great Hall) for those individuals who have difficulty accessing the Internet or who for other reasons need a hard copy. Being mindful of the Earth's precious resources, however, we encourage all others to access the booklet online. Each week's reflections will be available directly from our home page, Columba.org, or you may click here to download a PDF.
Wed., March 7:
Special Gathering with
Bishop Mariann Budde
On March 7, our usual classes combine as our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, joins us for our Wednesday meal (5:30–6:45 pm) and leads us in a conversation (7–8 pm in the church nave) exploring the topic of service. This promises to be a fun and formative evening. All parishioners are encouraged to join us for dinner and/or the discussion.
Please note: The dinner is now fully subscribed and we are no longer accepting reservations. However, we invite all in our community to join us for the discussion that follows in the church nave.
Click to download the following files:
Lent Quiet Day flyer (PDF)
Lent Discussion Groups (PDF)
Flame photograph: copyright anagramm/istockphoto
