Lent 2026: Gratitude and Reciprocity
Each Lent, United Thank Offering (UTO) offers a variety of resources for congregations, families, children, and individuals. This year, the materials are inspired by “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of “Braiding Sweetgrass.” This book takes a look at how the natural world functions via a gift economy as plants, animals, soil, etcetera share what they have for the common good. Our faith teaches us that grace is a gift freely given by God and that the gift is so great we want to respond by giving to others. This is what it means to be a part of a gift economy when we give thanks and we give back. Visit this page to: register for a March 24 panel discussion featuring Indigenous Episcopal leaders discussing gratitude and reciprocity; download free resources for congregations and families; sign up for the daily text message prompt; and more.
Lenten Book Group with UTO: “The Serviceberry”
In this five-session online book group, participants will explore this book together and see what they can learn about gratitude as a way to give thanks by word and deed for the gifts given by the world around us. While reading the text prior to the meeting will enhance your experience, it is not required. You’re also welcome to attend all five sessions or just the ones when you’re available or where a topic interests you. Register here. All meetings are at noon ET.
- Tuesday Feb. 24: Chapters 1&2 (pgs. 1-26)
- Tuesday March 3: Chapters 3&4 (pgs. 29-50)
- Tuesday, March 10: Chapters 5&6 (pgs. 53-82)
- Tuesday, March 17: Chapter 7 (pgs. 85-105)
The Episcopal Church Resources for Lent
Visit this page for Lent and Holy Week explainer videos that you can customize and share.
Lenten Meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD)
This year, ERD has partnered with Sister Monica Clare—Episcopal nun, best-selling author and unlikely TikTok star—to create meditations that explore the theme of “Holy Habits.” In her meditations, Clare reflects on the scripture readings for vespers (evening prayer) to encourage habits that support and strengthen a life of faith. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, all are invited to participate in “Holy Habits” by subscribing to daily emails, downloading resources for further study and including the meditations in community prayer, worship and gathering time. Explore the meditations here.
Communities for Spiritual Vitality Devotional – The Sermon on the Mount: On Earth as in Heaven
The Communities for Spiritual Vitality, a Vermont-based initiative that supports lay formation across Province 1, has recently released its 2026 Lent-Easter Devotional. Included in the beautifully illustrated, 84-page booklet are contributions from Bishop Brown; Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston; the Rev. Liz Marshall Casasola, rector of Trinity Church, Castine; Lio Cook, Church of our Father, Hull’s Cove; and Larry Gilman, the Parish of St. Andrew and St. John, MDI. Read it online, order a printed copy, and learn about the seven weekly formation gatherings using the devotional here.
Lent Madness with Forward Movement
Join Fr. Tim Schenck, Fr. Scott Gunn, and celebrity bloggers for 2026’s Lent Madness. Fill out your bracket on the Saintly Scorecard and get ready to vote for the Round of 32, the Saintly 16, the Elate 8, the Faithful 4, and ultimately, the grand prize, the Golden Halo itself. See what the madness is all about here.
ChurchNext Lenten Courses
ChurchNext is offering a course called, “What Is Ash Wednesday?” Led by Rob Courtney, an Episcopal priest serving as Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Eastern Tennessee, the class provides historical context, liturgical understanding, and practical guidance to the observance. This course is a helpful tool for individuals who are gearing up for Lent and for groups who want to prepare together. This course is a helpful tool for individuals who are gearing up for Lent and for groups who want to prepare together. Click here to watch the first session.
Here are their other offerings for your Lenten journey:
- Introducing Lent with Maggi Dawn: Lent is a holy season of devotion that offers wonderful opportunities for life transformation. Theologian and author Maggi Dawn unpacks the wonder of this season.
- Lent for Families with Kim Baker: This course is filled with practical tips from long-time educator and former canon to the Washington National Cathedral Kim Baker who tells us how Lent offers an unparalleled opportunity for families to grow in Christ.
- A Spring in the Desert by Frank and Victoria Logue: Over the course of five classes, Bishop Frank and Victoria Logue examine the 7 Christian virtues of purity, moderation, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. The curriculum includes 20 video lectures and 60 opportunities for in-depth discussion. Perfect for groups!
- With Gladness: 5 Weeks of Holy Practices for Disciples with Christopher Martin: Learn about building your life around God’s call with priest, author, and public speaker Christopher Martin. The curriculum includes 20 video lectures and 60 opportunities for in-depth discussion with other students who care about this topic. Perfect for groups.
ECF: Episcopal Church Foundation Lenten Resources
- Church Lenten Discipline by Annette Buchanan – Canon Annette Buchanan invites us to observe Holy Lent through practices of self-examination and self-denial, not only for individuals but also for congregations.
- Lent with Intention by Richelle Thompson – In this brief blog post, Richelle Thompson illustrates the purpose of Lent with actions “out of the mouths of babes.”
- Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes by Nancy Davidge – How would you briefly explain Ash Wednesday and Lent? This short video by Busted Halo gives a comprehensive overview in record time.
Good Friday Liturgies
Living Well through Lent with The Living Compass
This Living Compass resource is a daily devotional that provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Lent. It will be available in both print and electronic editions here.