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Feb 20, 2015 | Carol E. Barnwell

Creative Lenten Programs Abound

Creative programs and outstanding speakers mark Lenten offerings in the Diocese of Texas. From the interactive and online tableaus of #Livinglent, artistic renderings of the Stations of the Cross and forums featuring musicians, authors and activists, parishioners will be challenged and encouraged throughout their Lenten journeys.

 

Early pilgrims to Jerusalem could actually retrace the steps of Jesus from trial to tomb, offering a prayer at a series of stops (stations) along the way. As Christianity spread, and traveling to Jerusalem became increasingly difficult, communities recreated these Stations in nearly every village. Different places used icons, statues or other works of art to portray something of the original place and action.

 

St. Mark’s, Houston, features 14 parishioners who have each created a unique response to one of the Stations, either in a painting, woodwork, glass or other medium. Each artist will talk about their research and their creative process during the adult education hour on the Sundays during Lent. The artworks will be auctioned at Pentecost to benefit St. Mark’s outreach.

 

The Diocese has developed #LivingLent , a simple reflection exercise linked to the Gospels, in which individuals or groups can participate. Using a camera or smartphone, participants will recreate a piece of artwork chosen as a response to weekly reading to create a "tableau vivante" or "living picture” of the artwork. Using the hashtag, #LivingLent will allow all the responses to be collected and shown on the diocesan website at epicenter.org/livinglent and on Instagram. A video demonstration and the prompts are online now.

 

St. Matthew’s, Austin will feature Michael Morton. Wrongfully convicted of is wife’s murder in 1987, Morton will speak Wednesday, February 25 at 7 p.m. as part of St. Matthew’s series on Forgiveness.

 

Another offering on forgiveness is a two-day Lenten retreat hosted by Grace, Houston and led by the Rev. Lyndon Harris, priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Chapel, across from the World Trade Center in New York City at the time of the terrorist attacks. Harris explores how to move from fear to love with forgiveness. St. Paul’s became a place of respite and sanctuary for thousands of rescue and relief workers and Harris’ ministry seeks to help others seek peace through forgiveness. Friday, February 27, 6:30-8:30 pm and Saturday, February 28, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm. Register by email at or by calling the church office at 713.666.1408.

 

If music sooths your soul, St. James’, Austin features internationally recognized baritone Donnie Ray Albert, Sunday, February 22 at 10:15 a.m. Albert has had an active career as a concert singer, appearing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic among others.

 

St. Martin’s, Houston features guest preacher, the Rt. Rev. Mike Hill, Bishop of the Diocese of Bristol, on March 22 at four services and on Palm Sunday at 8 a.m.

 

St. John the Divine, Houston, will follow Jesus through his ministry by reading the Gospel of Mark together, gathering on Wednesday evenings with the new rector, Clay Lein, who will teach on the week’s readings.

 

LOGOS Project, short videos of well-known speakers, is available individuals or groups to use for a Lenten program. This diocesan offering includes several questions to follow each presentation for small group work. See epicenter.org/logos for a list of speakers including Sister Joan Chittister, Will Willimon, Paul Zahl and more.