LENT 2023

This season’s Lenten theme and artwork comes to us from the group A Sanctified Art. Here’s more about the logo and branding:

“An eye feels like a recognizable and even predictable image for the general theme of seeking, however, there is nothing all that simple or straightforward about this Lenten theme. As I studied the texts, I found there was repetition in visual imagery that held the texts together. As I sketched, the logo became layered with imagery that formed more shapes and meaning, sometimes obscuring and revealing more as I went. It was a balance of maintaining the legibility and clarity that is necessary in a logo, while connecting to a theme that is about being unable to find understanding or even tangibility. I wanted the logo at first glance to be somewhat obvious, but at closer inspection, I wanted it to expand, confuse, and surprise. The viewing of the logo itself is a process of seeking meaning.”

—Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, designer of the theme logo and branding

Gospel of Matthew, Lenten Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Larry Young

Rev. Larry Young will be leading a 6-week study of the Gospel of Matthew, beginning Wednesday, March 1. Duplicate sessions will be offered Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m. The study was created for local church use by the Center for Continuing Education at Yale Divinity School, Rev. Young’s alma mater. Each session will deal with some aspect of Jesus’ ministry (Sermon on the Mount, miracles, events leading to the cross, etc.) For each, a study guide and discussion questions will be emailed ahead to class members, and each session will include a video created by Yale personnel. There will be no cost for the class. To register and for Zoom info, visit the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/lent.

Class begins Wednesday, March 1, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., via Zoom

In the Land of the Seeking video

In this season of Lent, we are eased into our seeking journey by listening to the Lenten theme song by Spencer LaJoye titled, “The Land of the Seeking.” The song invites you into an imagined land where you can bring all of yourself—all your questions, fears, and uncertainties. It’s a place where your “worry and wonder can dwell,” as Spencer puts it. Visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/lent