This year, our Lenten journey invites us into something beautifully counter-cultural: the practice of humble witness. Beginning Ash Wednesday, we will spend 40 days exploring what it means to offer a "Humble Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World"—one of the Great Ends of the Church that speaks to our essential calling as followers of Christ.
I emphasize "humble" intentionally. The mainline church's journey over recent decades has taught us a profound lesson: God's Kingdom work often flourishes beyond our sanctuary walls. Organizations rooted in compassion, justice, and reconciliation are doing extraordinary and extensive work in our community and world. We are blessed to partner with these organizations. In worship and formation this Lent, we will privilege the witness and work of our community partners.
Our Lenten Journey:
February 22 – We launch with John Greeley, longtime Covenant member and President of the LaGonave Haiti Partnership, sharing the gospel through the lens of ministry in Haiti. Stay for lunch and fellowship to learn more.
March 1 – Hannah Schultz, Program Director of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, joins us. GIPL recently gave us a $6,000 grant toward our LED lighting upgrade—a partnership in creation care. Join us for worship and a lunch-and-learn about mobilizing faith communities for climate action.
March 8 - Join us to discuss "There Is No Place for Us" by Atlanta journalist Brian Goldstone, following five local families who work full-time yet cannot afford stable housing in our gentrifying city. Together, we'll explore hidden homelessness. Led by Mandy Eidson and Lee Wilder. 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall.
March 15 – Greg Cole, Executive Director of Buckhead Christian Ministries preaches. Following worship, a vital panel discussion on housing affordability and homelessness featuring Greg Cole (BCM), Sue Sullivan (Transitional Housing DeKalb County), and Tia McCoy (Habitat for Humanity). Please RSVP to office@covpresatl.org or scan the QR code in image to register.
March 22 – "Finding God in the Basement" (or Scout Hut!) celebrates the support groups that have gathered on our campus for decades. Guest preachers and small group discussions will reveal the deep theology of mutual care.
March 29 – Dr. Khalia Williams, Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation at Candler School of Theology, explores fresh collaborations between churches and theological institutions.
This series invites us to see God's Kingdom breaking forth in unexpected places and through unexpected partners. It calls us to participate, not just observe. I hope you will join me in this transformative Lenten practice. Come with open hearts, curious minds, and willingness to be surprised by where the Spirit is already at work in our midst.
The Kingdom of Heaven is indeed being exhibited all around us. May we have the humility to see it, celebrate it, and join it.
In Christ,
Rev. Jamie Butcher
Covenant Presbyterian Church Atlanta