The Lenten series Woven in Christ you prepared and designed for your parishioners at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church touched my heart to read, imagine the impact, and see the pictures.

I liked the movement in the curriculum from a knowing who we are in Christ, to acceptance of the gift and confession, being part of the church body, loving others, and serving in your life calling. Spiritual growth is progressive and with the congregation uniquely in a different spiritual place this teaching provides learning spaces for everyone.

Week 1 Woven Together in Creation
Week 2 Woven Together in Confession
Week 3 Woven Together in Community
Week 4 Woven Together in Caring
Week 5 Woven Together in Call

Each week the Word was interwoven in the devotional portion of the evening, unwrapped further by relating the story to daily life today. A time of reflection led the participants to consider the Word, the story, the theme of the week and individually write one word on a purple ribbon “the way you care” on week 4 and this ribbon became part of the beautiful weaving created together.

The community in your fellowship was strengthened with table talk reflective questions during the meal and creating the beautiful weaving over the weeks. Creativity and fun during the learning sequences fosters active participation, engaging people in teams to weave the colorful material. You can almost hear the discussions and laughter, many times continuing on the Lenten message in connection to their lives.

Further, I reviewed your piece using the 12 principles of adult learning found in a book called “Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach” by Jane Vella, and found your curriculum meets at least eleven of the twelve principles. Principle #5 “Action with reflection” or praxis appears in the way your series introduced ways of interacting with multiple senses and created space for the congregation to use the information learned to inform their experience.

Thank you for sharing these congregational moments with this community. I am amazed at the obvious work of the Holy Spirit and your own talents and gifts given to this congregation. Wish we could have it all on film to see. God bless you.