observance of a holy Lent
"I invite you...to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word." - BCP p. 265.
Lent is more than a time to give up chocolate, ice cream, or social media; it is a sacred season of spiritual growth, inviting us to deepen our relationship with God and one another. While the world outside may carry on as usual, unaware of the solemn rituals unfolding within the church, Lent calls the faithful into a journey of fasting, reflection, and renewal. As you embark on this season of introspection, I encourage you to embrace a simple daily spiritual practice. Below, you'll find a variety of ways to enrich your Lenten experience and draw closer to the divine.
Explore our suggested Offerings and resources:
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Honest to Goodness: Devotional
This year’s Soup Supper dinners will feature an informal discussion using Honest to Goodness, a devotional that invites us to spend time each day engaging God’s words in both the Old and New Testaments. Through scripture, reflection, and prayer, we will explore who God is, who we are, and how God calls us to live with honesty and goodness in a complex world.
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A Commonplace Lent: Episcopal Relief & Development Resources
Journey through Lent with Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditations!
Subscribe now to receive daily reflections by Jerusalem Jackson Greer, exploring the divine gifts we discover in community. Each meditation offers a moment of spiritual nourishment, guiding you through this sacred season.
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Lent Giving Challenge – Build Hope with Habitat for Humanity!
This Lent, take part in a Giving Challenge that turns everyday blessings into an opportunity to help families in need. Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s Lent Giving Calendar offers a simple yet powerful way to reflect on gratitude and generosity.
Each day, follow the giving prompts to contribute toward the goal of building safe, affordable homes. At the end of Lent, enclose your contributions in an envelope, making sure to identify Habitat for Humanity, and place it in the offering plate. Or give online at habitatcaz.org/donate
This challenge is for everyone—and especially fun for families—helping us put faith into action and make a lasting impact. Join us in giving thanks and giving back this Lent!
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Lent Madness
Lent Madness is back! This engaging and entertaining Lenten devotion invites you to learn about the incredible men and women on the Church’s Calendar of Saints—while having a little fun along the way. Modeled after a tournament-style bracket, 32 saints compete for the coveted Golden Halo, with daily matchups decided by your votes!
Want to get in on the action? Subscribe today, fill out your bracket, and follow along as saints advance through the rounds—from the Saintly Sixteen to the Faithful Four, and finally, to the Championship. Will your favorite saint win it all? There’s only one way to find out!
Get ready to take your faith (but not yourself) too seriously this Lent—vote with reckless abandon!
Download the 2026 bracket or pick one up in the narthex today!
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Living Well Through Lent: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
This daily devotional is designed for personal reflection throughout the Lenten season. Each Sunday features a reflection by a guest writer, while the other days begin with Scripture or a quote, followed by a reflection and "Making it Personal" questions to help you connect the readings to your own spiritual journey. We recommend using a journal to capture your thoughts and insights.
The Living Well Through Lent devotional is available in multiple formats. You can order a printed booklet in English or Spanish for $1 per copy (with free shipping on bulk orders), download a free PDF, or purchase a Kindle e-book for $0.99 on Amazon. A daily email option is also available, delivering each day's reflection straight to your inbox starting on Ash Wednesday.
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Connect in Worship
Sunday services in Lent will invite repentance and renewal. Services take place at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (livestreamed) and 11:00 AM.
Wednesday Noon Eucharist offers prayers for healing - body and soul and inspiration from lesser knows saints each week.
Thursday Evening Prayer offers a time for serene reflection. February 26 - March 26
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Grow Together Food Drive
Sundays, March 8 & 15
This Lent, Saint Matthew’s is supporting Matthew’s Crossing’s Meals to Grow Program, which provides 1,200 packs of food each week to elementary-aged children to ensure they are fed outside of school hours. This year’s focus is Tuna and Ramen! Donations should be placed in the blue bin in the narthex on Sundays or during office hours from March 8 - 15. Please ensure donated items have an expiration date of July 1, 2026, or later. Monetary donations can be made via check (memo: Matthew’s Crossing) or online at the following link.
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Holy Week Schedule
Evening services will take place Monday - Saturday at 6:30 PM
Wednesday & Friday at noon
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Palm Sunday - March 29 - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM Livestreamed, 11:00 AM, Sanctuary
Taize - March 30 - 6:30 PM, Sanctuary
Tenebrea - March 31 - 6:30 PM, Sanctuary
Stations of the Cross - April 1 - 12:00 PM Chapel, 6:30 PM Chapel
Maundy Thursday - April 2 - 6:30 PM, Sanctuary, Holy Communion with foot washing in the courtyard. Livestreamed
Good Friday - April 3 - 12:00 PM, Sanctuary, 6:30 PM, Sanctuary, Livestreamed
Saturday Easter Vigil - April 4 - 6:30 PM, Holy Communion, Sanctuary, Livestreamed
Easter Sunday - April 5 - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM Livestreamed , 11:00 AM Livestreamed