EXPLORING WILDERNESS
This Lent, we’ll follow Jesus into the wilderness, searching for and discovering the spiritual and material gifts of the natural world. Each week, we’ll explore one aspect of a wilderness experience, inspired by authors and activists, and reflected on by our community members. We’ll think about how God is present as we navigate the wilderness encounters in our lives.
Week 1 (Mar 2-5): Encountering Wildness
Week 2 (Mar 6-12): Encountering Solitude
Week 3 (Mar 13-19): Encountering Dependence
Week 4 (Mar 20-26): Encountering Silence
Week 5 (Mar 27-Apr 2): Encountering Freedom
Week 6 (Apr 3-9): Encountering Interdependence
Week 7 (Apr 10-17): Encountering Refuge & Possibility
May the words and wisdom captured in this collection guide us through a holy Lent, when we can release what burdens and distracts, and be drawn closer to God. May we accompany Jesus in this time of wilderness, allowing the natural world to teach us and expand our faith in the Creator and Creating God. May our wilderness encounters be blessed.
In gratitude for the wandering wonder ahead of us!
LENTEN DEVOTIONALS
Available daily at 7:00am on our Facebook page and via email
Written reflections and prayers from the SPSA Community, distributed daily by email, available on Facebook, and through our beautiful printed devotional booklet available at the church (view as a PDF).
If you are not receiving daily devotionals by email and wish to, please complete this form. Our email newsletter are the most timely source for church happenings.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Curbside Ashes
Wednesday, March 2 from 8:00-9:00am & 12:00-1:00pm
All in our extended community are welcome to receive prayer and ashes on the curb of 86th Street, in front of the church.
Evening Service
Wednesday, March 2 at 6:30pm
Join us for an in-person and livestreamed service on YouTube. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent: a time set apart; a holy time; a time to evaluate ourselves and be transformed by Christ’s love. To begin such a journey, we’ll gather together to reflect, receive ashes, pray, and sing. Tonight's service is in collaboration with Church of the Village.
SUNDAYS IN LENT
Sundays (Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3) at 11:00am
Join us each Sunday for our in-person worship service, which will be simulcast on YouTube
LENTEN VESPERS
Wednesdays (Mar. 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr. 6) at 6:30pm
Every Wednesday evening in Lent, we’ll come together for a midweek time of worship. Drawing from the devotionals, we’ll be guided in a time of prayer, song, and reflection. We’ll alternate between in-person and Zoom services and you are warmly welcome at all of them!
3/9: Join us on Zoom
3/16: Join us in the sanctuary or on YouTube
3/23: Join us on Zoom
3/30: Join us in the sanctuary or on YouTube
4/6: Join us on Zoom
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Thurdays, March 10, 24, 31, & April 7 at 6:30pm
& Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30pm
No meeting on Thursday, April 14
ENGAGING THE WILDERNESS OF NEW YORK CITY
While the devotional guide will help us meditate on the gifts of wilderness each day, you’re also invited to experience the wilderness right outside your window. Each week as a community, we’ll engage our wilderness by getting out and into it. Six sites and accompanying activities, one for each week of the season, will draw us in and open our awareness to the wilds of our world. Those sites of exploration and the city’s wilds will be amplified for us by the work of our Featured Artist of Lent, photographer and community member, Jade Palma Gil. We’re in for a treat!
March 2-9
Recorded Guided Meditation - Riverside Park with bj Karpen
click here for details
Thursday, March 10 at 6:00pm
Wonder & Wander - Fort Tryon Park with Andrea Steinkamp
click here for details
Tuesday, March 15 at 6:00pm
Nature Walk - Van Cortlandt Park with Lea Matthews
click here for details
Thursday, March 24 at 6:00pm
Prayer Walk - Inwood Hill Park with Katie Reimer
click here for details
March 27-April 3
Recorded Guided Walking Meditation - The High Line with Amanda Munroe
click here for details
Monday, April 4 at 6:00pm
Nature Scavenger Hunt - Central Park with K Karpen
click here for details
Holy Week & Easter Schedule
click here for details
Featured Artist for Lent: Jade Palma Gil
Farmer, Photographer, Activist. Born and raised in the Philippines, Alexis “Jade” Palma Gil is an immigrant and a father of two. Jade has been a community organizer and educator for the past 15 years in both the U.S. and the Philippines — serving youth, workers, peasant farmers, urban poor, and migrants. He also worked as a project coordinator for relief and rehabilitation of rural communities after the super typhoon hit the southern part of the Philippines. Jade and his family have been a part of the St. Paul & St. Andrew community for years. His photographs of worship and love in action have been a gift to us. Now they can help guide our Lenten journey into the wilderness.