During the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, he was journeying toward Jerusalem. On Palm Sunday, we celebrate his triumphal entry into this holy city. Jesus has his Last Supper with the disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified on hill on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Lent is a holy time of remembering and focusing on the events that took place in this holy city and Jesus’ journey to the cross.
This year, you are invited to participate in a special Journey to Jerusalem. It is 6,171 miles from Middletown, Ohio to Jerusalem. Beginning February 18 (first day of Lent) you are invited to track your miles/time exercising and your time spent in prayerful devotion. On Sundays, you will report these and we will track our collective Journey to Jerusalem in the Narthex/Lobby. Here’s how it will work:
1 mile (running, walking, cycling, skiing, etc.) = 1 mile to Jerusalem
5 minutes other exercise (strength training, yoga, silver sneekers, etc.) = 1 mile to Jerusalem
5 minutes of prayer and devotions = 1 mile to Jerusalem
For example:
Run 6 miles = 6 miles to Jerusalem
1 hour of yoga = 12 miles to Jerusalem
30 minutes of prayer/devotion = 6 miles to Jerusalem
1 ½ hours Bible Study = 18 miles to Jerusalem
This journey is designed to help us deepen our relationships with God and Jesus Christ by focusing on mind, body and spirit throughout Lent. It might be helpful to do this with a partner or with a small group within the congregation. Partners and teams will provide support and help keep you accountable. Together we can complete the Journey to Jerusalem.
