Pastor and author Kara Eidson’s passion for her Christian faith and her love of gardening and food inspired her to create this Lenten resource. Eidson explains, “When I am in the garden with my hands in the earth, I feel deeply connected to creation, and thereby more connected to God, our Creator. Through stories of gardening and food, I hope to invite you into that space where you also may grow more connected to God.”
Pastorally and vulnerably—she shares her struggles with depression and a food disorder—Eidson develops themes for each week of Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, she guides readers through the elements of the garden: soil, order, life, water, light, restoration, time, remember, fast, and feast, helping them to navigate “through the intricacies of how faith is required to produce food and how that faith can lead us all to feast at the table on Easter morning.”
Suitable for individuals or small group discussion, each chapter concludes with questions and brief devotions for each of the 40 days of Lent. Eidson also provides valuable resources for pastors and worship leaders, including liturgies with communal responses, art ideas for decorating worship spaces, resources for children, and a communal spiritual practice for congregations during the entire season of Lent. (Westminster John Knox Press)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.