Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi, Presiding Bishop, PAOCC. My Lenten Guide

Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi, Presiding Bishop, PAOCC My Lenten Guide Doing New Things in a New Way February 18, - April 5, 2015

The Season of Lent Lent HAVING RENEWED OUR COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE FALLEN SHORT. Lent is a 40 day period of prayer, confession and penance. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter morning. Lent comes from the word Lenten which means Springtime. Just as springtime signals a time for planting and experiencing new growth, we seek to plant the seeds of prosperity within ourselves, thus experiencing new vitality! Yet we must be reminded, just as the gardener who prepares the soil that has grown dormant from the cold winter, that the tilling and turning of the ground can be an arduous, difficult, yet fulfilling task. Lent asks us to go on an inward journey. Difficult though it may be, we seek to discover and rid ourselves of anything that has delayed our personal growth. Once uncovered and discarded, we will make a fresh start by comprising a plan to realize our best self! Lent gives us an opportunity to become better servants of GOD! During this 40-day journey we must become better parents, sisters, brothers, singers, ushers, ministers, teachers, entrepreneurs; true instruments of GOD. As we become better, we serve better. The better we become, the better the world becomes.

A Best Self Lent by Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi Christian tradition promotes suffering, deprivation and austerity as virtuous and redemptive. It holds that somehow by suffering we are holier, purer and closer to God. This tradition is built on the European theological conviction that human beings are no good, worthless, filthy rags and that only God's grace could give us worth. Self-flagellation, rumination and mortification are natural outgrowths of this negative view of humanity. Lent grows out of this point of view and tends to emphasize self-imposed conviction, guilt and suffering as basic to our observance of the season. The focus of this kind of Lent is to feel sorrow and remorse for our sins, weaknesses and shortcomings not to overcome them. Sorrow and remorse do not necessarily lead to change and growth. Adherents to the European view argue that suffering is salvific and that by imposing suffering upon ourselves we are identifying with the suffering of Jesus. But the object of Jesus' ministry was not suffering. It was service! Suffering for suffering sake is not redemptive or salvific. It is pointless masochism! Jesus said, "I come that you may have life and have it more abundantly." An abundant, rich and bountiful life comes from the full development of our God given potential and the usage of that realized potential to serve God in the world by serving others. The Parable of the Talents reveals that the greatest sin we can commit against God is the failure to multiply our talents. This is our first religious obligation! Our second is to use these developed talents to serve. Self-actualization enhances the positive impact we can have on each other and the world. When you work to become your best self you are making a difference, you are changing the world and you are ushering in the kingdom of God on earth.

In keeping with our Best Self Theology, we strive to have a Best Self Lent. Not a lent of pointless suffering and deprivation that has no measurable impact on our development or the problems of the world, but a lent that makes us better so that we can serve better. Rather than beat yourself up, raise yourself up. Rather than sinking in guilt and shame, rise in determination and good works. Rather than simply confessing sin repair the breach with higher service. Let us have a Best Self Lent, where we pick positive, constructive, healing and developmental goals that testify to our commitment to God and move us toward a more abundant life. Make a difference! Be a blessing! Leave a legacy! Do your best! Learn something new! Strive for perfection! Present yourself to God on Easter morning as a better, more productive person. Glorify God with service, for service in the highest praise.

What Shall I Render? Lent requires that YOU make an investment in YOURSELF! Follow these 5 Steps to a Best Self Lent. 1. Begin a three day Reflection (self examination) Period. Take a honest look at your past attitudes, behaviors, and actions and ask if they have been in alignment to God s purpose for you. 2. Make a Commitment to be a better servant of God. The better you are the better you can serve God. 3. Write a statement of Confession admitting to yourself (in God s presence) anything that has not allowed you lived up to your fullest potential or has stifled your growth. 4. Write a statement of Penance actions you are willing to take that will enhance your strengths, develop your talents, and strengthen your faith in GOD. 5. Make a Best Self Plan practical steps that you know will lead you to become a better person! Recognize that you will not get better unless you try to get better. Outline how you will do what you have said you will do.

Thoughts For Reflection Beloved One, teach me the mystery of my existence! Teach me to worship Thee in breathlessness, in deathlessness. In the fire of devotion, consume my ignorance. In the stillness of my soul, come, Father, come! Possess me. Help me feel Thy immortal presence, in and around me. ******************************* Come Thou, O Father, reveal the vast kingdom of Thy presence! Reveal Thyself! Teach my heart to pray; teach my soul to feel that all doors may open and Thy presence be revealed. ******************************* O Omnipotent One, please open Thy lips of silence and whisper constant guiding thoughts to my humble soul. ******************************* Teach me to hear Thy voice, O Cosmic Mother, the sacred voice that commanded all vibrations to spring forth. Manifest to me as Ommm The cosmic song of all sound. O Omnipotent One, please open Thy lips of silence and whisper constant guiding thoughts to my humble soul. ******************************* Teach me to hear Thy voice, O Cosmic Mother, the sacred voice that commanded all vibrations to spring forth. Manifest to me as Ommm The cosmic song of all sound.

******************************* I will try to be happy under all circumstances. I will make up my mind to be happy within myself right now, where I am today. By realizing GOD I shall be reclaimed as a child of the Most High. Without asking or begging I shall receive all prosperity, health and wisdom. ******************************* Nothing shall blight my smiles. Grim death, disease, nor failure cannot daunt me. Disaster cannot really touch me, for within my soul I possess the unconquerable, unchangeable, new bliss of GOD! ******************************* I am lost, Father, in the wastelands of wrong beliefs; I cannot find my home. Rise on the darkness of my mental sky and be the polestar of my groping mind. Lead me to Thyself who art my Home. ******************************* Let my love spread its laughter in all hearts, in every person belonging to my family and community. Let my love rest in the hearts of flowers, of animals, and of little specks of stardust. *******************************

The perfect light is omnipresent in all my body parts. Wherever that healing light is manifest there is perfection. I am well, for perfection is in me. ******************************* O Supreme Spirit, make my soul Thy temple, but make my heart Thy beloved home where Thou wouldst dwell with me, in ease and everlasting understanding. ******************************* Through meditation I will stop the storm of breath, mental restlessness, and sensory disturbances raging over the lake of my mind. Through prayer and meditation I will harness my will and activity to the right goal.

The Transformative Power of Fasting Renew yourselves and fast. Go by yourself and fast alone, and show your fasting to no man. The living GOD shall see it and great shall be your reward. And fast till all evils depart from you, and all the angels of our Earthly Mother come and serve you. For I tell you truly, except you fast, you shall never be freed from the power of Satan, and from all diseases. Eat always from the table of GOD: the fruits of the trees, the grain and grasses of the field, the milk of beasts, and the honey of bees. While you fast, pray earnestly. Fast and pray fervently then, seeking the power of the living GOD for your healing. Let the angels of water, earth and fire be your guide. Let these three angels enfold you every day and let them abide with you through all your fasting. (Excerpts from The Essene Gospel of Peace) Lenten Tools During Lent, there are certain tools to help you in your spiritual quest: prayer, fasting, penance, and reflection. When you exercise your faith through active participation in Lent, you help strengthen your spiritual will, so that you can return to a state of wholeness. As important as creating a Lenten Plan is the attention you give it. Make time whether it is in the morning after you rise, during lunch or in the evening. It is important that you find a time and place where you can allow yourself to focus on what you need for your faith journey. Fasting During Lent we utilize fasting, to bring healing, renewal and re-integration of the mind, body and spirit. The self-discipline required in fasting, is essential to developing the strength and courage needed to walk the spiritual path in the world. Take some time and carefully decide the level of fasting you will undergo during Lent. Take close consideration of your health needs, home or work environment, and plan a Lenten fast that works best for you! Be consistent, apply your faith, and watch GOD work in your life!

A Three-fold Lenten Fasting Journey Physical Fast: To refrain from drinking any other liquids except water. Commit to a three day, week long or forty day water fast. Avoid sugary drinks, pop, coffee, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Tea is acceptable if you must. You may also choose to refrain from eating certain foods. Be determined and forthright. Get juice from fruits, eat more vegetables, beans, nuts and less meats, breads and starches. Focus on the health of your body, by including more grains, whole foods and nutritional meals. Stay vigilant!!! Mental Fast: To refrain from the intake or ingesting of negative or self diminishing ideas, via conversations (gossip), television, music or any other form of communication. Avoid using words that diminish, and do not dwell on thoughts that reinforce the lower self. Consciously seek out meaningful input that will nourish you, enhance your awareness, or stimulate your higher purpose in GOD. Meditate, use positive affirmations, read books, and scripture. Seek out what feeds your soul! Spiritual Fast: To consciously refrain from wasting energy (time, money, activity) on meaninglessness, materialism or the mundane reality. Do not buy anything, attend anything, or engage in any activity that does not enhance the Kingdom Of God on Earth. Instead use your energy and resources to contribute to the health and well being of self and others, whether in or outside the transforming community. Choose at least one act of penance (weekly) to make amends your failure to fulfill your Covenant Beliefs. Attend events that elevate your higher consciousness.

What Did Jesus Do? In the midst of hesitation and skepticism, Jesus used the utter and boundless power of his faith and applied it to the lives of an entire community of people. He began to build the Kingdom of GOD with only the energy of his love for GOD and others. It is this same creative loving energy which everywhere and always creates new values and changes the kingdom of the man-made world, into the Kingdom of GOD. If the Kingdom of GOD is in us and among us, then through this creative power of love, we too can transform ourselves and the reality in which we live. There must be creative love to build the Kingdom of GOD. Cardinal Mbiyu Chui, Pastor Shrine #1, Detroit, Michigan

Scriptures for Meditation Surrender Introspection Renunciation Proverbs 3:5-6 Deuteronomy 6:5 Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; 6:7-9 Psalm 32:8-9 Psalms 19:15, 34:6-9; Matthew 6:31-33 Psalm 55:23 103:1-22; 116:7-9; I Corinthians 7:29-31 I Samuel 15:22 119:15-16, 27, 30-32, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 130:5-6; 131:1-3 Galatians 5:16-25 Psalm 84:12-13 James 4:1-4 Psalm 125:1-2; 126:5-6 Compassion/Non-injury Discipline Matthew 6:34 Psalm 133:1-3 Psalm 119:129-135 Luke 22:41-43 Psalm 141:1-4 Proverbs 3:11-12, 29; 4:23-27 John 19:17 Proverbs 3:3-4 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 2 Cor. 6:4-10; 12:10 Isaiah 52:7 James 1:2-4 Philippians 2:8 Romans 12:14-21 Hebrews 12:7-13 Romans 14:17-19 Matthew 5:7-9, 22-26, 38-45; Hebrews 12:14 7:1-5;18:21-35 Matthew 6:13-14

DAILY AFFIRMATION Today, I choose to renew, refine, and reinvest in my Relationship with God so that I can become my BEST SELF, and do my part to create a new heaven and a new earth.

Spiritual Empowerment Spiritual Empowerment Plan Jaramogi Menelik Kimathi teaches that for the Season of Renewal to have a lasting effect, seekers must create and commit to their own spiritual, step by step plan of action,as detailed as the most ambitious business plan, of which prayer and meditation are central. Step One: Developing the Eyes to See * Complete the sentence: My Best Self is. (Ex: a disciplined person who fasts and tithes regularly.) * Create positive daily affirmations that affirm your vision. * Create a Vision Board, images representing your best self. Step Two: Taking Responsibility for Spiritual Growth * List specific goals you pledge to set become your Best Self. (Suggestion: See Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations) * List specific steps you pledge to take to reach each goal. (Ex: prepare offering envelope before arriving for Worship.) * List attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors hindering your quest. * End each day reviewing ways you honored your pledges. Step Three: Strengthening and Exercising Your Faith * List your spiritual challenges. (Ex: forgiving others) * Commit to a service/church ministry that might force you to face your spiritual challenges. * Commit to a regular opportunity for Christian fellowship and spiritual support. * Set aside a specific time for daily scripture reading. * Recite Daily Affirmation.

Weekly Lenten Observances Week #1 Confession/Penance If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Week # 2 Purification "A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They shall be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin. Week # 3 Absolution (Forgiveness) Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Week # 4 Faith Have faith in God," Jesus answered. Week # 5 Love "To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." Week #6 Transformation & Sacrifice I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.

Notes & Reflection How I Did Today! How I Did Today!

My Spiritual Empowerment Plan This Works For Me! My Spiritual Empowerment Plan This Works For Me!

My Best Self Plan Steps Towards My Success! My Best Self Plan Steps Towards My Success!

The Shrine is a 'best-self' church that teaches that our first religious obligation is to fully develop the divine potential given to us by God, so we can serve God more effectively as Christian agents of personal and social transformation. We renounce the individualism of contemporary Christianity and embrace the sacrificial spirit of service exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus. The Shrine is a Christian ministry to the unique and specific problems of Black people that have resulted from centuries of being declared inferior, excluded, exploited and underdeveloped. We seek to ameliorate these effects by developing self-reliant people who can effectively work for group self-determination.

Youth Lenten Guide Doing New Things in a New Way February 18, - April 5, 2015

WHAT IS LENT? The Lenten Season lasts for (40) forty days. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this time you should work very hard to be your best self. As Christians, we follow the examples of Jesus, the Black Messiah. What did Jesus do? Jesus helped others. Jesus loved his brothers and sisters. Jesus also prayed to GOD. To show that we are following Jesus example we should also help others, love our family, and pray to GOD to show our thanks. We show love to our families by treating them nice and showing respect. We help others by lending them a hand when they need it. We can give a smile, a thank you or a hello to make others feel good. A very important way you show GOD how thankful you are is by working hard to become the best you can be. We all have special gifts and talents that we discover when we do our best.

MY BEST SELF LENT During Lent you can do some of the following things to be your best self! o DO good things in school. o DO good things at home. o DO good things everywhere you go. You can be very helpful. You can help your family by: o Cleaning your room o Picking up your toys o Helping with the dishes o Helping with your younger sisters or brothers. You can also be a good example by showing a positive attitude. When you come to Church be sure to bring an offering to give. Make a pledge of the things you would like to do: During Lent I will: