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Pebbles prompt prayer during Lent
The Vindicator ( Youngstown)
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THE VINDICATOR | ROBERT K. YOSAY.Judy Camp of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield, is organizing a Lent activity where members carry a black pebble during Lent as a symbol of the forgiveness theme. She also will have a vase filled with pebbles that will be on the altar and pebbles that people will carry..
By LINDA M. LINONIS
Sometimes all it takes is a small reminder to bring things into focus.
Judy Camp of Lord of Life Lutheran Church said pebbles will play a part in motivating church members to take a minute in their busy lives to reflect and meditate during Lent.
“We wanted to do something different,” said the chairperson of the liturgical arts and design team.
Pebbles were selected as a “visual” representation for church members to concentrate on the theme of forgiveness.
“Pebbles can be positive or negative,” Camp said. On the positive side, a pebble might represent something worthwhile or be a decorative element in design or landscape. On the other hand, a pebble in one’s shoe is a source of irritation.
“We want the pebbles to motivate people toward a spiritual focus,” Camp said. Visuals that have been made by the liturgical team include three dark purple banners and two light purple banners with black crosses. Camp said the banners, which are for various seasons in the church year, help enhance the atmosphere of worship.
Church members can pick up the pebbles during Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7 p.m. or the first Sunday in Lent. Camp said there also will be a vase filled with black pebbles on the altar during Lent as re-inforcement.
“Black pebbles seemed to fit,” Camp said, noting Lent is a somber and reflective time in the liturgical season. She added that the pebbles are easily carried “in pocket or purse.”
Camp, a member for six years, said the pebbles project has been explained in the church newsletter and will be in the church bulletin. The liturgical arts and design team prepared a booklet, “Lent, A Time for Reflection and Prayer.” It offers a prayer of the day for the Sundays of Lent and a verse from the Bible on which to reflect during the week.
The verses deal with forgiveness and include the Prodigal Son, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and Jesus asking God the Father to forgive. The Bible verses, Camp said, are meant to get participants thinking about what forgiveness means.
“We want people to think about their lives ... if they need to forgive or ask forgiveness,” Camp said. “It might be time to make peace with someone in a situation that is not resolved.”