Wed, Feb 18, 2026 – Thu, Apr 2

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?


What is Lent—and why does it matter?
Lent is the 40-day journey (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter—a season Christians have practiced for centuries to help followers of Jesus prepare their hearts for the cross and the resurrection.

But let’s be clear: Lent isn’t about earning God’s love.
From a Free Methodist (Wesleyan) perspective, we believe grace comes first—God is already pursuing you, already inviting you, already ready to forgive and restore.

So what is Lent really?
Lent is a season of making room.
It’s a set-apart time to slow down and say:
“Jesus, I don’t want to rush to Easter. I want to walk with You—so Your death and resurrection don’t just inspire me… they transform me.”

Why Lent matters...
Because we don’t drift into spiritual depth—we’re formed on purpose.
Lent helps us practice three simple movements:

1) Return (Repentance)
Repentance isn’t shame—it’s coming home.
It’s honestly letting God search us, naming what’s out of alignment, and turning back toward life.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

2) Replace (Spiritual practices)
Lent isn’t only about giving something up—it’s about replacing it with Jesus.
We fast from something that tends to fill our attention… and we use that space to pray, read Scripture, worship, or serve.

3) Renew (Transformation / Holiness)
In our tradition, holiness isn’t about being “better than” others.
Holiness is love made visible—a life increasingly shaped by Jesus.
Lent is a training season where God strengthens what’s weak, heals what’s wounded, and forms Christ in us.

How to practice Lent (keep it simple)

If you’re new to Lent, don’t overcomplicate it. Start with one of these:

Pick 1 “Fast” (something to lay down):
    •    Social media (or one app)
    •    Sugar / caffeine / snacks
    •    Streaming / gaming
    •    Complaining (yes, that counts)
    •    Impulse spending
    •    Late-night scrolling

Pick 1 “Feast” (something to add):
    •    5–10 minutes of prayer daily
    •    A Psalm a day (start with Psalm 23, 27, 51)
    •    A Gospel reading plan (Mark is great for Lent)
    •    One act of generosity each week
    •    One person you intentionally encourage each day
Then pair them:

Example: “I’m fasting Instagram during lunch—and feasting on a Psalm and a short prayer.”
Or: “I’m fasting late-night streaming—and feasting on reading Mark before bed.”

A simple daily Lent prayer (you can screenshot this)
“Jesus, make room in me today.
Search me, forgive me, and lead me.
Give me hunger for You more than anything else.
Form Your love in me—so I live like You. Amen.”
Church family, Lent is not about doing the most.
It’s about making space for the One who matters most.

If you’re joining us, text (562) 210-0408 your 1 FAST & 1 FEAST!