2025 Lent Guide Week 01

Exploring the Bible with Pastor Jenny Warner

Well, here it is, friends. The first installment of our seven-week guided exploration of The Book of Belonging. Whether you’re joining us as part of a Lent practice or simply here to explore bible stories in kind and contemplative community, WELCOME.

A special thank you to Pastor Jenny and her congregation for sharing her work and wisdom with us. Whether you are hungry Bible nerds like us or just snacking on little pieces of this guide, we hope that you are nourished by Jenny’s perspective that we can all gain something through approaching the Bible with fresh eyes.

Here’s a note from Jenny about the guide:

You might wonder: Why would I invite this highly educated and accomplished community to read a children's Bible? Let me share what makes this exciting. Many of us carry a secret - we don't know the Bible as well as we think we should. A children's Bible offers a fresh start, placing us all on equal footing without assuming prior knowledge of Scripture. It removes the intimidation factor that can come with studying biblical texts.

And if you're thinking you're too advanced for a children's Bible - you might be exactly who needs to read one. Remember Jesus' words when asked about greatness in heaven's kingdom: "Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

The Book of Belonging is something we can truly experience together, across all ages and stages of faith. This guide to this book has been written for grown ups to engage the Book of Belonging in a spirit of wonder, play and curiosity.

Each week you will find:

• An opening essay that will orient you to the theme for the week.

• A reading guide that includes 2-7 chapters from the Book of Belonging. Read

  as many as you can and use the principles of Lectio Divina (sacred reading) and

  Visio Divina (sacred seeing) to engage the text: What words and phrases leap off

  the page? What images capture your attention? What do the words and

  images evoke in you? How might God be speaking to you through this reading

  and seeing?

• A weekly spiritual practice that is designed to take you from your heart to your

  soul and open you to the Spirit’s transformation.

• Resources to go deeper. Books, podcasts, articles will be offered for you to

  learn more on your own.

• A small group guide for those who are engaging this book with others. If you

  are on your own, you may find that some of the questions are helpful solo

  reflections.

• A coloring sheet for kids and adults too. Take some time for deeper reflection

  as you bring to life an image from Book of Belonging.

Take what you need as you develop your own sacred rhythm. Feel free to sound off in the comments OR keep an eye on the Substack chat, as we will be dropping some discussion questions in there. And most importantly, remember:

YOU BELONG

YOU ARE BELOVED

YOU ARE DELIGHTFUL.