Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter that we set aside to turn our attention toward Jesus in more intentional ways and prepare our hearts for Easter Weekend – when we remember that Jesus came for us, died for our sin, and rose from the dead to give us new life! In addition to giving up something during Lent (e.g. TV, social media, a food item, etc.), we encourage JCCers to find ways to also feast on the presence of God.  

This year, we’ll feast through something we are calling Plus One! Through this devotional program, we will integrate small habits (5-15 minutes) into our lives that will help us grow in our intimacy with and mindfulness of God. Each week, we will add a new habit to the one from the previous week (think snowball effect!). By the end of Lent, we will be practicing 5 new habits each day that better position us to commune with God!

03.06 – 03.09

What are you giving up for Lent?

03.10 – 03.16

START THE DAY WITH JESUS | Spend the first 5 minutes of your day in silent prayer and meditation. When you first wake up, in the quite of your heart, turn your attention to God.  Some ways you may want to pray: Thank God for the gift of a new day, surrender any worries, ask God to make you aware of His presence and to use you to further His Kingdom throughout the day.

03.17 – 03.23

LUNCH BREAK STUDY | Lent is a great time to read through one of the four Gospels to remember the life of Jesus. Take 10-15 minutes to read one chapter of the Gospel of John each weekday (M-F) during your lunch break or midday meal. Try to identify what you learn about who Jesus is from each chapter (e.g. In chapter 10, we learn that Jesus is the Good Shepherd!).

03.24 – 03.30

END THE DAY IN GRATITUDE | End each day by acknowledging at least one thing for which you are thankful. Then write down your daily gratitude. You can write it on a sticky note and place somewhere visible or select a page in your journal and list your daily gratitudes there throughout the rest of Lent.

03.31 – 04.06

3x3 | Spend 3 minutes praying for 3 people each day! It can be 3 different people or the same three. You can pray morning, afternoon, evening or set aside 9 minutes to pray in one sitting.

04.07 – 04.13

INVEST & INVITE | This week, you’ll receive invitation cards for Easter Service! Identify people you can give an invitation and invite them to celebrate Easter with the JCC family! Be sure to pray for their visit! Look for ways to be a blessing. If possible, follow up afterwards.

04.14 – 04.20

You’re almost there! Keep it up!