Welcome to our 2021 Lenten Compact

This year, we are on a journey with Jesus who–says the Apostle Paul–broke down the dividing walls of hostility on the cross. Throughout his life, Jesus refused to live within the boundaries of existing social order. He regularly broke down the walls of exclusion as a demonstration of love for his neighbor–giving us an example to follow.

Throughout Lent, we will post daily Scriptures and prayers related to our theme. We will also post occasional links to stories and articles that identify the harm done by existing walls such as racism, sexism, classism, etc.

So, here we go. “Let the walls fall down.”

Every day, we witness and experience “walls” of hostility, division, exclusion, hatred, and ‘isms’. Most of us have participated regularly in adding bricks to the walls through our own attitudes, actions, words, and silence. Are walls inevitable in a broken world? Are we destined to tribalism and ongoing conflict? Is there any hope for healing and unity? Is reconciliation possible or is it a far-off dream?

We believe walls are constructed and maintained in order to advantage some and oppress others. We also believe that walls have no place in God’s beautiful creation. It is sin that separates us and divides us. Yet, the apostle Paul spoke of an end to the walls that have traditionally defined – and divided- human relationships. “For Christ himself has brought peace to us… In his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us…creating in himself one new people.” (Ephesians 2:14-15) As a result, in Christ, there is “neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female.” (Galatians 3:28). God is a “Wall-Breaker!” God broke down walls of exclusion; God is breaking down walls now; God will continue to break down walls until we are all reconciled to God and to one another.

This year, we are “Giving up Walls” for Lent–the attitudes and actions of division and exclusion. And in giving them up, we are going to resist rebuilding old walls or building new ones so we can more fully experience the new humanity that God established through the cross. So, join us on the journey.

Each day during Lent, starting February 17, 2021, we will post a Scripture and a Prayer to lead you into a time of reflection on the walls that we must break down.

We also invite you to join us on Sunday mornings during Lent (via our Facebook page) as we look at the ways Jesus modeled “Breaking Down Walls.” And we will become a “Wall Demolition Crew” in our community and our city–taking action to expose walls and dismantle them in the power of the Spirit. More information is available on our church website.

Together, let’s “Break Down Walls,” and live into being God’s new liberated–and liberating–people.