Bethel AME Church, 414 W. Vermont St., is inviting all to join them as they exercise their faith during “Bethel AME Church Lenten Fast 2014: Fruit of the Spirit & Seven Last Words of Christ Spiritual Growth Fast.”
Rev. Carey A Grady, serves as pastor.
The church will be using Galatians 5:16-26 as inspiration.
Week 1: March 9
- Reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit-Galatians 5:22-23 and what they mean
- Each morning read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Connect with an accountability partner to be your support during the fast
- Write Your thoughts about the fast in a journal
- Begin the fast by drinking only water (Eat your meals as you normally do but the only drink you can have is water)
- Each evening read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit of love and joy
- Also reflect on forgiveness, Jesus’ first word on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
Week 2: March 16
- Each Morning read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Connect with an accountability partner to be your support during the fast
- Write your thoughts about the fast in a journal
- Eat no bread beginning this week (Eat your meals as you normally, but only drink water and eliminate bread)
- Each evening read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Reflect on the fruit of peace and long-suffering
- Also reflect on Jesus’ second word on the Cross, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
Week 3: March 23
- Each morning read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Connect with an accountability partner to be your support during the fast
- Write your thoughts about the fast in a journal
- Eat no sweets beginning this week (candy, cake, pie, etc.) (eat your meals as you normally do but only drink water)
- Each evening read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Reflect on the fruit of the spirit of kindness
- Also reflect on Jesus’ third word of the Cross, “Jesus said to his mother: “Woman, this is your son”. Then he said to the disciples: “This is your mother.” John 19:26-27
Week 4: March 30
- Each morning read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Connect with an accountability partner to be your support during the fast
- Write your thoughts about the fast in a journal
- Eat no cheese, pasta or noodles this week (eat your meals as you normally do but only drink water)
- Each evening read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit of goodness and faithfulness
- Also reflect on Jesus fourth word on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34
Week 5: April 6
- Each morning read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Connect with an accountability partner to be your support during the fastyour thoughts about the fast in a journal
- Choose to either give up red meat, poultry or all meat. (Eat your meals as you normally do but only drink water)
- Each evening read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit of gentleness and self-control
- Also reflect on Jesus fifth word on the Cross, “I thirst” -John 19:28
Week 6: April 13
- Each morning read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26
- Connect with an accountability partner to be your support during the fast
- Write your thoughts about the fast in a journal
- Continue the fast as you have been doing but Tuesday and Wednesday only eat fruit and vegetables. (Eat your meals as you normally do but only drink water)
- Each evening read Galatians 5:16-26 especially verses 22-26 and reflect on all of the Fruits of the Spirit
- Reflect on Jesus’ sixth and seventh word from the cross, “When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished”;and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. -John 19:30 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”: -Luke 23:46
Note: Persons, who take medication, please see your physician before starting the fast.
On April 17, Bethel will gather as a congregation and corporately break the fast at 6 p.m. at their Annual Maundy Thursday Service. Dinner will be served.
