More fervent in prayer, more generous in works of charity, more eager in celebrating the mysteries by which we are reborn.

These are the words that appear on some clip art, illustrated by Clemens Schmidt, that we use during Lent at St. Columba's, and are often said by our sisters and brothers from the Roman tradition of catholicism during this season.

As one way to think of Lent, these phrases invite us to kick things up a notch in all of the ways we practice believing in the Lord, and this three-phrase summary is as good as any. This kicking things up a notch does not have to be something we only do for Lent - perhaps it is giving up something we need to give up. Or perhaps it is adding in a spiritual discipline or acts of love that would be good for us to always be doing.

Perhaps too, this Lent might be a time for us to engage in something more deeply, such the effects of that engagement - what we get from it in our souls - will carry forward.

This last way of thinking about Lent might mean this season can be about formation: being shaped, like clay is shaped, into a different person because of something you have experienced, learned, or practiced. 

And it doesn't have to be something that happens on accident - you can go out and have experiences, learnings, and practices like this that will change you into someone who lives differently in the world. During Lent, you can kick it up a notch, and see what God might do inside you.

One of among many ways to do that in Lent might be to experience what we are doing on Wednesday nights, starting March 13. The series is "Walking once more," and begins with soup supper at 6, Eucharist with Godly Play story at 6:30, and a time of formation for adults and children on major themes of Christian believing and what those theme mean for us today. These are good opportunities for those new to the Episcopal Church and for those looking for some refreshment and re-engagement.

Many of our adult formation leaders will be participating as facilitators in the discussion, each taking a different perspective on these topics - many of them speaking from their passions for them.

Even if you can't make it, you can learn more and sign up (here!) to get on the email list to each week receive a copy of some short readings for each week's discussions and a reflection on Anglican/Episcopal perspectives on these themes. 

However you keep a holy Lent this year, I hope the experience of it will kick your faith up a notch, living more deeply as believers in the Lord of love, our Savior Jesus Christ.

- Martin