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Lent 2023 comes at a time when many feel their lives are still on hold, even as the fog of pandemic
stasis is slowly lifting in this weary world. How do we hit the “resume” button and move forward?
Scripture tells us we can be attentive to what God wants from us, and take action (Romans 12:1-2).
Then, we can show our faith by our deeds (James 2:18) and let God bring out the best in each of us
by calling on our unique gifts.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,
then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching,
then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give
generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans
12:6-8 NIV
For the 2023 Lenten Devotional, the Foundry community will explore the choices each of us is making
to grow in sanctifying grace — not by focusing on what we might give up for Lent — but instead
discerning: What is God calling me to take on for lent?
Contributors are invited to consider this question alongside their gifts and personal vision to
create a 300-word essay, poem, or artwork for this year’s devotional. Submissions will be compiled
into a series of reflections, one for each day of Lent, to be published in print and online. The
deadline for submission is January 30, 2023.
To join us in creating the 2023
Lenten
Devotional, join the team here.
Contact Lenten Devotional ministry team leadership at lentendevotional@foundryumc.org.
For many years, members and friends of Foundry United Methodist Church have shared spiritually themed meditations in the form of 300-word written reflections, poems, and artwork. The collection of reflections is published in print and online, one for each day of Lent through Easter Sunday. A limited edition print version is available by request and the virtual edition will be available online. The devotional provides daily reading, inspiration and encouragement for our church family and friends.
Anyone with a word or image to share on the Lenten theme may submit a devotional. Past contributors are as varied in background, publishing experience, and spiritual path as Foundry’s membership is diverse. We believe everyone has something of value to share, and encourage all those wishing to contribute to do so …within the theme and deadline.
The deadline for submissions is January 30, 2023.
We encourage any form of expression that best suits you and also the Devotional’s printed page size of 5.5” wide x 8” long. Most devotionals are written reflections, 300 words in total length that also include a title and the author’s signature. Many contributors also incorporate a short Bible passage and short prayer at the end. Artwork – photos and drawings – are most welcome; vertical images that fit a 4” x 6” frame work best. Poetry adds richness to each year’s devotional. If submitting a poem, please be specific about line spacing and breaks.
The Devotional Ministry Team includes several experienced editors. One will be assigned to review your submission for clarity and length and will make any appropriate edits, typographical or grammatical corrections. An editor will contact you well before publication about anything in question or if substantial editing is needed. You will approve the final version before it is added to this year’s collection of devotionals.
All requests for anonymity will be honored. Team members who receive submissions (up to three individuals) will know the anonymous writer’s name but others on the ministry team will not.
All submissions go to LentenDevotional@Foundryumc.org
Text submission: Attach a Word or word-compatible document to your email of submission.
Alternatively, you can type your devotional directly into an email.
Artwork submission: Attach a JPG file to your email of submission.
Special arrangements must be made. Please contact Foundry by calling 202-332-4010 and ask for the Lenten Devotional team to be in touch with you. Be sure to leave your name and phone number.
