Breaking Chains
Chains of Injustice, Apathy, Violence, Despair – even the chains of Death
Prayer and Meditation in the Sanctuary
During Lent the sanctuary will be available for prayer and meditation on Wednesdays (11 am – 1 pm & 5 – 6 pm) Masks and social distancing are required in the church and when you enter the south parking lot doors you will need to sign in. As you leave the sanctuary, we ask that you sanitize your seat, cleaning supplies will be provided.
Mary Oliver’s Poems in the Devotions
Click on Title to Read the Poem
Ash Wednesday
3rd Sunday in Lent (3/7)
Palm Sunday (3/28)
1st Sunday in Lent (2/21)
4th Sunday in Lent (3/14)
Maundy Thursday (4/1)
Easter Sunday
2nd Sunday in Lent (2/28)
5th Sunday in Lent (3/21)
Good Friday (4/2)
2nd Sunday of Lent - Terrified and Trusting
1st Sunday of Lent - God's in Nineveh, We're in Tarshish
Ash Wednesday
How to use your Ash Wednesday Temporary TattooWatch this video and be ready for our online Ash Wednesday service at 6 pm on February 17th 1. Remove the plastic cover. 2. Place the temporary tattoo on your skin, with the image on your skin, white paper side up. 3. Use a slightly damp paper towel or towel and press the damp towel onto the tattoo 4. Hold for 45 seconds to 1 minute 5. Slowly remove the paper backing from your temporary tattoo
Posted by GraceDesMoines on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Be Generous This Lent
Support Relief Efforts in Texas
As in past years our 3rd Grade Sunday school class will be supporting the Central Iowa Shelter during Lent. This year we are encouraging everyone at Grace to support the vital and necessary work of the Central Iowa Shelter. During Lent there will be collection boxes outside of the church office for these needed items:
3 oz. Disposable Cups; Earplugs; Shower Sandals; Aspirin; Antacid; Pain-killer; Cough Drops; Cold/Flu Medications (without alcohol); Tylenol or Ibuprofen; Travel-size Shampoo and soap; Toothpaste; Toothbrushes; Towels; Razors; Combs; Deodorant; Bus Tokens; Coffee; New underwear (in various sizes); Disinfecting Wipes; Sandwich bags; Can Openers; Pots; Pans; Plates; Bowls; or Silverware.
Thursday, March 4
Do a household chore for a family member without them having to ask – or even without them knowing about it. Break the chains of toil and increase everyone’s delight!
Friday, March 5
CONVERSATION STARTER: What’s your all-time favorite memory (or one of your top five)?
Saturday, March 6
Do the Popcorn Prayer! Pop some microwave popcorn and have everyone shout out something they are grateful for when they hear a kernel pop.
Third Sunday of Lent
HOLD: Two minutes of silence (breathe in healing, breathe out hurt)
READ: Isaiah 55:2
PRAY: God of majesty, forgive us when we spend too much on ourselves, fill up on foods that do not satisfy, and tune out the cries of the vulnerable. Open us outward, toward you and our neighbors. Amen.
Monday, March 8
This week or this Lent (or longer!), try eating less meat, eggs, and/or dairy products. Animal agriculture, and factory farming in particular, is hard on animals (especially female animals) and hard on the Earth, too. Remember, God’s mercy is “over all God has made.” + Psalm 145:9
Tuesday, March 9
Give someone in your household a hug – “just because.” Break the chains of isolation!
Wednesday, March 10
Today and for the rest of the week, avoid processed food as much as possible – food “which does not satisfy” (Isa 55:2). The gifts of the Earth are the gifts of God!
Thursday, March 11
Try an online game night with someone you don’t know very well. Break the chains of loneliness!
Friday, March 12
CONVERSATION STARTER: What are the most serious problems the world is facing today? What do you think you could do to help solve them?
Saturday, March 13
Write (or find) a poem – simple or complicated, long or short – for someone you love.
Fourth Sunday of Lent
HOLD: Two and a half minutes of silence (breathe in grace, breathe out doubt)
READ: Luke 15:31-32
PRAY: God who always seeks and always finds, thank you for showing us what love looks and feels like. Thank you for always watching the horizon and welcoming us back again and again and again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
