by Bethany Walker
I have watched many a pastor work over overtime (I just decided that’s a thing) during the Lenten season as they lead double the worship services each week and then also try to write a meaningful daily devotion to share with their congregations. During Covid, as a way of trying to foster community from a distance, I had a cross-generational group of people from my two congregations help write daily devotions that were posted on Facebook each day. At the end of the Lenten season the devotions were compiled into a keepsake book for our church libraries and anyone who wanted to purchase one. This was well received and so meaningful as I got a glimpse of people’s theology and faith life from the stories they shared. It also gave me some grace to not have to do all the writing. Besides, the congregation already hears enough from me through my preaching. I have kept up this practice every Lent and Advent since then. I give the writers guidance which sometimes looks like a theme word, other times looks like key scripture and always includes some dwelling in the word before they write. I also offer parameters around length so that no one feels overwhelmed. The submissions are short, sweet and from the heart. My favorite set of writings was during the Lenten season when our theme was Onward Toward the Cross. I asked for people to take a photo of a cross that was meaningful to them and simply tell the story of how and when they acquired it and why it held special meaning. Then a photo of the cross and the story were shared together daily on Facebook. It was a beautiful exercise in sharing and meaning making for everyone who wrote and read. The writers have ranged in age from 5 years old to 93 years old. What a demonstrative way to be the body of Christ together! Everyone has a story to tell. Maybe they just need the invitation to do so.
