Lenten Small Groups
We have four small groups meeting regularly during Lent, on a variety of different topics, including groups you can participate in online.
Palm Sunday
On March 29, Palm Sunday, Christian congregations across the country plan to be in the streets. Just as Jesus organized a procession countering Roman forces, we will be confronting this administration and their white Christian nationalist agenda.
In order to participate fully in this moment of public witness, we will be shifting our usual schedule at First Church. There will be no morning service. We will gather at church for lunch. Then, we will go together to the St. Paul Cathedral to process to the Capitol. There will also be the option to stay at church in solidarity and prayerful vigil.
We are planning to hire a school bus, so that everyone can ride together. Sign Up to Ride the Bus
Community Lenten Devotional: How Do You Lent?
Part 1 of our annual community devotional starts with Sunday, February 22, and goes through Saturday, March 14. You can pick up a copy at chruch.
We’re still looking for more voices to contribute to Part 2! If you’re interested, read the prompt below, check out what was submitted for Part 1, and/or contact Sarah Almén. Part 2 submissions are due by Sunday, March 8.
The season of Lent is often associated with penance, fasting, and abstinence—like with giving up a habit or a food—yet the word itself is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning spring, a season of new beginnings and growth. We know these associations can co-exist, but what does that actually look like?
You are invited to help answer that question. Our 2026 Community Lenten Devotional will center around the question “How do you Lent?” (Note the use of Lent as a verb—an action word—not a noun.) Everyone is invited to contribute a response to this question. Responses do not need to be lengthy (think just a paragraph or two, not a book chapter) or profoundly theological (though they can be). It is okay to simply write, “I don’t Lent”, and then explain a bit about why.
In addition to your written contribution, please submit a photo of yourself. This will help all of us recognize who you are and help build community connections. Contributions should be emailed to Sarah Almén.