Dear Saints of God,
The origins of Lent were that one was to leave their old life behind to fast and prepare to be baptized into a new way of living. In essence, this was a practice of stepping away from corrupt power, scarcity mentality, and empty rituals in order to live a more expansive and full life of faith. And so, our Lenten theme, Full to the Brim, is an invitation—into a radically different Lent, into a full life. It’s an invitation to be authentically who you are, to counter scarcity and injustice at every turn, to pour out even more grace wherever it is needed. When we allow ourselves to be filled to the brim with God’s lavish love, that love spills over. It reaches beyond ourselves; like water, it rushes and flows, touching everything in its path.
The scriptures for this Lenten season are filled with parables and promises of God’s abundant and expansive grace. Jesus as a mother hen, a prodigal son welcomed home, a fig tree nurtured with care and hope, precious oil poured out lovingly and freely, stones shouting out with praise—these sacred texts are brimming with a gospel of grace. We’ve done nothing to deserve or earn this grace, and yet, like water, it spills over.
Full to the Brim reminds us to live fully—as we pursue justice and hope, or express grief and gratitude. If love is our beginning, how can we live our lives led by love’s promises? And so, this Lent, let us trust—fully—that we belong to God. Let us increase our capacity to receive and give grace. Let us discover the expansive life God dreams for us.
If you like a paper copy of the Devotional Booklet please contact Pastor Lonnie to have one mailed to you at pastor@mccneworleans.com. We will also have a limited number on our welcome table at our services.
The Full to the Brim Lenten Devotional is for your use throughout the season of Lent. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, this weekly devotional follows the Revised Common Lectionary through Easter Sunday. Each week offers commentary, poetry, visual art, and written reflections, as well as hymns and journaling prompts for Holy Week. We encourage you to walk through these weekly readings at your own pace throughout the season, following the rhythm that works best for you. The devotional features biblical commentary by guest writers, Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia and Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt, and art and reflections by guest artists, Rev. T. Denise Anderson and Carmelle Beaugelin.
May you truly have a spiritual awakening during this Lenten Season where we come to recognize that we are "Full to the Brim" with God's love.
In God's Love,
Pastor Lonnie
Lenten Service Schedule:
Ash Wednesday 3/2 @ 7pm - Main Sanctuary
Taize Services Thursday 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7 @ 7pm
- Facebook Live only
Palm Sunday, 4/10 10am - In-Person and Facebook Live
Holy Thursday, 4/14 7pm - In-Person and Facebook Live
Good Friday, 4/15 7pm - In-Person and Facebook Live
East Sunday, 4/17 10 am - In-Person and Facebook Live