03/28/2025
Lenten Practice in Cayuga
Lenten Practice in Cayuga follows Ash Wednesday and begins with the World Day of Prayer. On March 7, 2025, the Cayuga United Church opened its doors to host this year’s World Day of Prayer worship service. This global ecumenical event, celebrated annually, brought together people of all denominations, to reflect on the 2025 theme, *“I Made You Wonderful,”* thoughtfully prepared by the World Day of Prayer committee of the Cook Islands. The service was a beautiful testament to unity, prayer, and shared purpose, setting the tone for the Lenten season ahead.
Following the World Day of Prayer, the Cayuga community continues its spiritual journey with six weeks of Lenten Lunches, a tradition that fosters fellowship and connection. These lunches, held every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m., are shared among local churches. Cayuga United Church hosted the first two gatherings, March 11 and March 18. The next two will be held at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, March 25 and April 1. St. Stephen’s Catholic Church will host the final two lunches, April 8 and April 15. Each hosting church brings its own warmth and hospitality to these gatherings, offering a simple meal and a space for reflection during the Lenten period. These gatherings highlight the spirit of unity among Cayuga’s congregations.
St. John the Divine wishes to express particular gratitude to the Cayuga United Church, for their generosity in supporting the Cayuga Community Café, which is run by volunteers and held at the Anglican Church every Friday, with proceeds from donations going to the Cayuga Food Bank.
The World Day of Prayer and the Lenten Lunches serve as a reminder of the 2025 theme, *“I Made You Wonderful,”* celebrating the inherent worth of every individual created by God, and the beauty of coming together as a community.
As the Lenten Practice continues through Lent, Cayuga’s churches invite all to join in this season of reflection, gratitude, and shared grace.
