Lent is the annual observance of 40 days of reflection during the weeks leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday, and including the Last Supper with the Disciples on Maundy Thursday, the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, and the in-between waiting space of Holy Saturday.
The church traditionally considers 40 days to be a manageable time to commit to a new rhythm of worship, justice, service, and study. Each year we put together a guide to opportunities at First Church for this season, and we hope you’ll take advantage of them. These practices matter: acts of service build muscle memory, learning about injustice trains our senses to spot it more readily, and study and enrichment fill us up so we can go out again to serve and to advocate. We need these 40 days of Lent because this season shapes us into the followers of Jesus we are called to be.
Opportunities for Worship
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins with our Ash Wednesday service, a time when we pause to reflect on our own mortality and the preciousness of human life. Check our calendar for this year’s date and time.
Holy Week & Easter
The journey of Lent culminates in Holy Week — Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Service times are posted on our events calendar each spring.
Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment
Daily Lenten Devotional
Each year during Lent, First Church publishes a daily Lenten Devotional, with a scripture passage and a reflection written by someone in the First Church community for each of the 40 days. Printed copies are available at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex, and you can also sign up to receive the devotional by daily email.
Sunday Morning Devotional Conversation
Take a moment to reflect together during Lent. We gather on Sunday mornings to study the year’s Lenten Devotional and build our faith together. Class is held in person at First Church and on Zoom. See our calendar for dates and times.
Seattle Urban Pilgrimage
As spring arrives, our Seattle Center Urban Pilgrimage guided walks resume — a chance to reflect on the public art around us through scripture, song, and prose. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Opportunities for Justice and Service
Lent is a season to put our faith into action. First Church offers a range of justice and service opportunities throughout the year — including advocacy through our Church & Society / Social Justice Committee, missions and serving opportunities around Western Washington, and our Climate Justice work. To get involved, contact us at missions@firstchurchseattle.org.
Shared Breakfast
Shared Breakfast is a ministry of First Church for over 20 years, providing a hot, nutritious breakfast to those in need in downtown Seattle. Every Sunday, volunteers gather in Fellowship Hall to prepare and package meals for walk-up guests and for delivery to local shelters, serving around 200 people each week. Lent is a wonderful time to get involved — whether by volunteering your time or making a gift.