An Outdoor Lenten Journey

This idea was first created and described in our Advent "Bible Trail" topic. The idea is for a congregation to create an outdoor "walk" or "trail" that people can use at any time to engage in a devotional activity. We're suggesting you convert the trail to a Lenten Walking Trail.

See this follow-up post further down in this topic for more "outdoor walk" activities related to Lent and spiritual practices.

Your Lenten Trail could be through a wood, or around the church, or through a community --stopping at various stations. The stations could simply be described in a printed guide, or described at a sign at each location. They could have something to read and look for. The stations could be "staffed" at certain hours and days with guides and/or participants.  Yes, you could do it "in" the church, but that's not nearly as interesting as doing it outdoors.

If you wanted to highlight Luke 4's description of the Temptations of Jesus, one of the stations could offer fresh baked bread and the message that "man does not live by bread alone, but by...."  Another could be a display of a "wealth and power" montage and the temptation of it described in Luke 4:5.

Notes from Neil:
The idea of "Journeying through Lent" traces back to the stories of Jesus journeying in the wilderness (Luke 4) and the Hebrews crossing the desert during the Exodus. The concept is also found in the "stations of the cross" tradition (typically an indoor or in-sanctuary event). Each "station" or stop has scripture and perhaps an activity that individuals or families can participate in.

In a way, the "stations" or "journey" mimics the journey of the Advent season and the lighting of candles to mark time. We suggest adapting that journey for Lent, which is traditionally more of an INTROSPECTIVE journey than Advent, which should guide the style of the walk, choice of scriptures, prayers, and activities.

There are MANY Lent resources online and in print that describe possible 'station' themes, objects, and scriptures. For example, Anderson 1st UMC in Indiana has a webpage describing four very interestingly themed Lent stations: Sand, Rock, Shells, and Human touch/comfort.

Notably, this same "journey" or "stations" idea could be used during HOLY WEEK at the end of LENT to give parishioners another way to celebrate.