Lent is also observed as a special time for study, fasting, almsgiving, and sharing what we have with those less fortunate than we are. One way to do this is to have a simple meal – perhaps of soup and bread – one night a week and contribute the money we might have spent on a more elaborate meal to the local community food shelter. That would take care of fasting and almsgiving, but what about study?

We use the mealtime as a study or learning time, similar to that maintained in some monasteries. During the meal, quiet is maintained and different portions of the passion narrative are read aloud by different readers. Following the meal, the fellowship begins as multi-generational teams are formed and Lenten Jeopardy is played. Throughout the weeks the answers are learned through the spoken reading of the Word and repeated play of the game. Click here to look at an example of Lenten Jeopardy.