Lenten Renewal Opportunities
Lent is a holy season of the church year, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. It is seen as a time for Christians to prepare for Easter through prayer, reflection, silence, repentance, reading, and growing in the grace of God. Many see Lent as a time to refresh and renew their relationship with God and each other. It is a time to bring “springtime” into the soul burdened by economic crisis, conflicting human relations, political divisions and the lack of world peace. Here at Scarritt Bennett we have several special opportunities for renewal and you are invited to join us on your spiritual journey.
“A Lenten Journey in Song”: A weekly scripture and hymn study at 12:15-1:00 pm on Thursdays, February 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, and April 2 In the International Room. You are invited to enrich your life through the study of songs/hymns written by women with complementary scripture passages. Donna Patterson and Joyce Sohl will lead the study which is free and open to the public.
Lenten Organ Concerts: The American Guild of Organists is presenting a series of organ concerts in Wightman Chapel on Wednesdays at 12:30-1:00 pm. These are free and open to the public. The schedule is as follows:
March 4 Gayle Sullivan, Belmont United Methodist Church
March 11 Peter Rogahn, First Presbyterian Church
March 18 Karl Isaac Johnson, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church
March 25 Adam Lutz, student at Belmont University
April 1 Jennie Lou Smith, organ and Brad Marsell, cello
A Day Apart: Plan and hold your individual retreat on the Scarritt Bennett campus on March 10, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in the International Room. The center is providing space, resources, and lunch, and an optional chapel service for $20. Register at: http://bit.ly/dayapart20
“Spirituality of Prophecy”: A retreat to be held March 13 (5:00 pm) – March 14 (3:30 pm) in International Room. Are the words authentic, challenging, risky, justice, truth telling, courageous important to you? How can we confront the negative forces in our society and create a world of justice, peace, and freedom rooted deeply in the heart of God? Join in the conversation and time of spiritual growth as led by Donna Patterson. Cost is $130 for commuters and $190 for residents. Register at: http://bit.ly/spsbc20.
Power of Eight Circle Group: A monthly gathering to experience the power of intentional prayer in our own lives and the community and to create an island of sanity in the midst of a world in chaos. During Lent the group will meet on March 17, 6:30-8:30 pm in International Room. This is free and open to the public. Register at: http://bit.ly/powerof8sbc.
A Special Vespers & All That Jazz Service: Sunday, March 22, 6:30-7:30 in Wightman Chapel celebrating the hymns of Fanny Crosby. Choirs from Edgehill United Methodist, Howard Congregational UCC and Unity Missionary Baptist will sing some of her hymns including “Blessed Assurance” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” Come and experience faith expressed in song.
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, quarterly retreats, and art exhibits.