WHAT IS LENT?
“Historically Lent developed in relation to Easter, the fast in preparation for the feast…a mourning fast, in keeping with sorrow and compassion for Jesus and also in remembrance of his words, ‘The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast’ (Matthew 9:15)” (pg. 129, Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God, by Bobby Gross).
The 40-day time frame for Lent is associated with Jesus’ time of temptation in the wilderness, which helped to prepare Him for ministry (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Here Jesus suffered, yet endured, and eventually triumphed over Satan. This time of testing was marked by self-denial, faith and reliance on God’s Word. Regardless of whether or not we choose to participate in the seasonal observation of Lent, self-denial, faith and reliance on God’s Word are meant to be the hallmarks of our Christian lives.
WHY OBSERVE LENT?
Observing the church calendar is not a requirement for Christianity, it is more of a privilege. As the Church marks the time in the year by the events in the life of Jesus, we are drawn together with a common history and a common purpose. As we observe Lent together, with one spirit, we build community. The Meet Me in the Middle Project is meant to promote Christian community.
WHAT TOPICS CAN I POST ABOUT?
There are no requirements for topics, simply that you use two pictures (a before and after) to tell the story of God at work to make things whole, redeem, and bring to completion—sharing the HOPE of the Gospel story. Pointing to God in your everyday life is a wonderful way to glorify Him. Here are some suggestions of images that lend themselves to this purpose:
DIY Projects
Yard work
Sewing/crafting/art (creating)
Cooking
Cleaning
Fitness journeys
The building process
Travel/hiking
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Anyone can join us, simply enter your email address on the sidebar and you’ll get our weekly post. Post with us on Wednesdays during Lent—it’s only seven times! C’mom, you can do that!!
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A BLOG TO JOIN?
Nope! You can also post a Before&After Pinterest Pin, or Instagram image.
WHEN CAN I USE THE HASHTAG?
You can pin, instagram, and blog about the Project, using #MeetMeintheMiddleProj to your heart’s content! You can post to Twitter and Google Plus about the Project too.
WHAT IF SOMEONE HAS ALREADY USED A SIMILAR IMAGE/IDEA?
No worries! Your image will be different in some way, and your writing will help to distinguish the intent behind your image. Remember, this feeling behind this project should remind you of a choir—we are all participating in worship together—we may be singing the same notes, but we are each using our own, individual voices.
DO THEY HAVE TO BE PICTURES THAT I HAVE TAKEN?
These images should be pictures you have taken yourself. If you are using another person’s images, you must have permission to use them online. In the spirit of seeing God at work in our own, ordinary lives, images purchased from Stock photo websites should not be used.
I SIGNED UP, BUT I NEVER GOT A CONFIRMATION EMAIL.
We use MadMimi, so you should have gotten a confirmation email. First, check your spam, trash, junk mail. Most confirmation emails are sent out within 5 minutes of signing up. Every now and then an inbox doesn’t like our email service.
If you’ve searched your spam and other folders, try to resubscribe. You can also send us a message via the contact form below & let us know what email address you signed up with and we’ll see what we can do! Reach out so we can keep you updated on the Project and you can find your spot in the choir.
MORE QUESTIONS?? ASK THEM HERE