This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.
As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.
In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.
This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.
Like many of us, Peter has a wandering heart. His journey is not polished, or linear, or perfect, but he is always tethered to the love of God. When you look closely at Peter’s story, you find Jesus at each step along the way—offering him abundance, catching him when he begins to sink, challenging him when he stands in the way, washing his feet, predicting his betrayal, and offering him agapē love. This Lent, we’re joining Peter in figuring out faith. We’re not idolizing or vilifying him; instead, we’re hoping to wander alongside him, open to what we might learn about Jesus (and ourselves) by stepping in his shoes.
Sunday services are at 10:30am both in-person and online
During Lent we take up a special offering to collect donations for specific community organisations. Please click HERE to find out more information on our “Lenten Fund For Others”
Wandering Heart Lenten Devotional
Beginning with the First Sunday in Lent, this weekly devotional follows the scriptures of our Wandering Heart series through the Second Sunday of Easter. Each week offers commentary, poetry, visual art, hymns, and reflection prompts. We encourage you to walk through these weekly readings at your own pace throughout the season, following the rhythm that works best for you. The devotional features biblical commentary by our guest writers, Dr. Terence Lester and Dr. Karoline M. Lewis, and art and reflections by our guest artists, Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda and Rev. T. Denise Anderson.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ON ONLINE VERSION OF THE DEVOTIONAL
PICK UP YOUR PHYSICAL COPY AT THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY ON THE WELCOME TABLE.
Daily Devotional Cards
Beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing through the second week of Easter, use these daily devotional cards to guide your wandering heart this Lent. You might place the stack of cards by your bed to read first thing in the morning or right before you sleep at night. Display the cards that resonate with you the most so you continue to ponder the daily questions. Perhaps use the cards as prompts to journal and reflect. Day by day, may these prayers remind you that no matter where you wander, you are always tethered to the heart of God.
CARD DECKS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY ON THE WELCOME TABLE
Faith Map for Children and Youth
Think of the faith map as an advent calendar. Physical Copies will be available at the back children’s area with Carol.
Social Media
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we will be posting daily excerpts and prompts related to the theme.
Follow us and don’t forget to tag us @westdaleunitedhamilton and show us how you choose to respond!