Lenten Devotional Study in Alexandria VA

Welcome to Lent at the Meeting House

The season of Lent begins on February 18 with Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days.

Lent, and originally Advent, has long been essentially penitential. That is a time set aside for making sacrifices, for “giving things up for Lent,” for rigorous self-examination, and for honest confession. In recent years, however, many Christian have focused their Lenten preparation more on study and prayer. Nevertheless, such study and prayer occurs even as Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem, where he will meet betrayal and death.

So, the very act of study in Lent is Lenten; it cannot escape the shadow of the cross and invites us to engage the ancient Lenten themes of sacrifice, self-examination, and confession.

Our Lenten study for adults will center on reading, reflecting on, and responding to Scripture as a community using the Faith 250 Scripture Project as a starting point. At its core, the project frames faith as a scripture‑shaped trust rooted in God’s ongoing work across history and within God’s people.

For children we have our Fish Banks. You can pick one up on Sunday morning. Inside you will find a calendar with a suggestion for each day.

We hope to see YOU this Lenten season as we journey together.

Blessings during the holy season,
Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood

In a world marked by division, uncertainty and competing narratives, Matthew’s Gospel speaks with striking relevance. Matthew’s first audience — a young, fragile community navigating conflict, identity and fear — sounds a lot like the church today. This Lenten devotional by Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott invites readers to journey through Matthew’s Gospel to discover how Jesus leads us toward humility, courage, compassion and faithful discipleship amid the fractures of our age.

Grounded in Scripture and written with pastoral warmth, this resource guides individuals and congregations through daily reflections, including a weekly visio divina practice. Each entry includes Scripture, a focus verse, a theologically rich reflection, guided questions, and a closing prayer — making it ideal for personal prayer, small groups, session devotions, or congregational Lenten study.

Pick up your copy in the Church Office.