Watcha doin' for Lent '26?
Here's an idea: Let's do ALL SYNOD READS!
Imagine a good number of our congregations reading the same book this Spring. Sharing conversations. Feeling connected. And posting photos of themselves and their book in various Spring Break locations. So much fun, synergy, and vibrant spirituality!
If you are wondering what to do for Lent in 2026, consider All Synod Reads: Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves.
Now sure how your congregation might participate? Your congregation, a group in your congregation, or an individual might:
Start small! Simply share the information about All Synod Reads and the book title with your congregation. Folks are always looking for a good Lent Devotional.
Share the information about All Synod Reads and the book title with your congregation, AND offer a once a week lent book study.
Go all in for All Synod Reads and Worship for Lent in addition to the above, use Sacred Self Care as your Lent theme, using the provided resources from the Office of the Bishop to help structure your congregation's Lent journey through book study and worship.
This book, invites the reader into a topic that is relevant right now. Who would have guessed that examining Self-Care that is "Sacred" would lead into topics such as the seductive power of advertising, racism, gender justice, as well as sleep hygiene, anger, and the all encompassing love of God that leads us to love our neighbor as ourselves? As we step into the first week of Easter, we might find ourselves picking up one sacred spiritual discipline that will encourage us in our walk as people living in the light of resurrection.
Colleagues, I, Pastor LeAnn Stubbs, Assistant to the Bishop/Director for Evangelical Mission, want to share this experience with you all this Lent.
Let's do this together as a synod! I am ready to guide your congregational leaders, your pastor(s), deacons, worship planning team, and ministry leaders through how to prepare a Lenten Journey in your church and ministries using All Synod Reads -Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves.
To get started: Order the book, read through it, and those who are interested are invited to gather on zoom three times in January to dive into how you can bring this study to your church and ministries. During these meetings we will talk about: leading the weekly lenten discussions, the daily and weekly scripture readings in the book, and the midweek worship materials.
No matter how you choose to use this resource, you’re invited to join our “Getting Ready” Zoom sessions on Thursdays, January 15, 22, and 29 from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM will provide a chance to preview the book and materials, explore creative implementation ideas, and connect with other leaders across the synod who are planning to use All Synod Reads in their congregations.
Getting Ready for All Synod Reads in Lent
Thursday, January 15, 22, and 29
10:30 AM–12:00 PM on Zoom (link to be shared soon!)
