observance of a holy Lent

Forward Movement began with a bold summons to follow Jesus. The first publication, The Disciple's Way, issued a stirring call to individuals and the wider church to practice seven steps of discipleship: turn, follow, learn, pray, serve, worship, and share. That call is as urgent today as it was 90 years ago.

In this season of Lent, embrace the seven steps with encouragement from the original publication and daily meditations written by current leaders of the church. As the first Disciple's Way promised, this journey is high adventure, requiring time, effort, pluck, and money. Following Jesus is not easy, but it is The Way.

Contributors: Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones, Chris Corbin, Scott Gunn, Marcus George Halley, Deon K. Johnson, Everett Lees, Frank Logue, Troy Mendez, Hugo Olaiz, Anna Olson, Hillary Raining, Tyler Richards, Richard H. Schmidt, Stephen Smith, Jay Sidebotham, Kate E. Wesch, and Joseph Yoo.

We have 10 copies available with a recommended donation of $15.

Thursday, March 13 - April 10 - Parish Hall & Chapel

We encourage you to join us every Thursday in Lent for a shared meal followed by Evening Prayer. Share uplifting conversation and discuss devotions from The Disciple's Way over a dinner variety graciously prepared by volunteer parishioners at 5:45 PM in Matt’s Cafe followed by Evening Prayer at 6:30 PM in the Chapel. An optional child focused lesson will be taught by Ms. Amy in the Parish Hall most weeks.

FIVE DINNER DATES: March 13 - April 10

Saturday, March 22, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saint Matthew's will be hosting a reflective and rejuvenating day of spiritual renewal as we seek deeper connection with God and compassion for one another through listening, contemplation, prayer and reflection. Snacks will be provided. RSVP required.

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.

Curious to learn more? Watch as Jerusalem shares insights on experiencing Lent through the lens of community in this inspiring video. Sign up today and walk this Lenten path with us!

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!

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!

The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption. The following calendar includes a daily verse and an action or meditative prompt.

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 2025 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. 

Sunday services in Lent will invite repentance and renewal. Services take place at 7:30, 9:00 (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. An optional child focused lesson is available select weeks.March 13 - April 10.

One Day Only - Our Outreach Committee will collect items for the Assistance League of the East Valley, supporting their programs like Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, and scholarships for EVIT graduates. These programs provide essential clothing, school supplies, and crisis assistance to children, teens, and adults in need. The most needed items are jewelry, gently used clothing and accessories (men’s and women’s), housewares, books for children and young adults, and monetary donations. Please bring your donations in a bag or container. Vehicles will be available in the parking lot before and after each service for collection. Monetary donations can be made via check or online. Thank you for your support!

Sundays, March 30 & April 6

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 30 to April 6. Please ensure donated items have an expiration date of July 1, 2025, or later. Monetary donations can be made via check (memo: Matthew’s Crossing), on Simple Give, or online at the following link.

Evening services will take place Monday - Saturday at 6:30 PM

Wednesday & Friday at noon

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Palm Sunday- April 13 - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM Livestreamed, 11:00 AM, Sanctuary

Taize - April 14 - 6:30 PM, Sanctuary

Tenebrea - April 15 - 6:30 PM, Sanctuary

Stations of the Cross- April 16 - 12:00 PM Chapel, 6:30 PM Chapel

Maundy Thursday - April 17- 6:30 PM, Sanctuary, Eucharist Service with foot washing. Livestreamed

Good Friday - April 18 - 12:00 PM, Sanctuary, 6:30 PM, Sanctuary, Livestreamed

Saturday Easter Vigil - April 19 - 6:30 PM, Eucharist Service, Sanctuary, Livestreamed

Easter Sunday - April 20 - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM Livestreamed , 11:00 AM Livestreamed