Lent: A Time to Be Present
dive into the gift of presence with God, with the world, and with ourselves — with Christ as our example.
“The biggest distractions from love are past perceived wrongs or losses and future abstractions; we cannot love a person truly if we are fixated either on the past or on the future. Acts of love can only be done in the present. Nowhere is this clearer than in the life of the Lord Jesus: He is always deeply present. Whether with His disciples, His Mother, Pontius Pilate, or the penitent thief on the cross, He is immediately and urgently with them. In the few moments where His mind goes to the suffering before Him, there is a clear reason in the present for it; He takes His awareness of the future and, rather than letting it cripple Him, transforms it into a parable or a prayer, which He then gives as a gift. For Jesus, no moment is only chronos; every moment on earth is chronos and kairos, perfectly integrated. Every moment, for Jesus, is the right moment.” - Jane Clark Scharl “Time and Its Creator” in Why We Create.
(Free) Course:
Wrestling with God
A three-part class by Michelle Drake on how poetry by Christian poets can help us face our fears, doubts, and hope.
With the help of world-class English teacher Michelle Drake, join in a discussion on how the works of the Christian poets of the past can help us voice our fears, our doubts, and ultimately our hope, however flickering, in God.
No prior knowledge or appreciation of poetry is needed as a prerequisite — the words will help guide you to God.
Featured Content
Imagination Redeemed Podcast (April Episode)
In every episode, we retell one of the great stories, then follow its illumination to delve deeper into conversation about how to enter into the life of the Christian imagination.
“Julian’s Hazelnut: When All Is Not Well”
In 1373, Julian of Norwich experienced the grace and goodness of God through a vision of a hazelnut. How can this tiny thing give her such a glimpse into the Creator of the Universe? Step back in time and find out how with Sarah, Brian, and Christina!
Want to dive in?
Subscribe to Anselm’s Substack to receive the full show notes, which includes: a detailed list of topics covered, resources mentioned in the episode, further recommended reading and listening, and discussion questions to utilize for further thinking and conversation with friends!
Anselm Voices
Dr. Vander Lugt’S “Gritty Hope and the Gift of Art”
Guest lecturer from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Dr. Vander Lugt explores how art can give us visions of the new heavens and earth and do justice to the way things currently are. These visions can activate our individual imaginations and collective will to stay with the trouble as we are sustained by hope.
Featured April Books
Dive into the Hope found in the Lenten Season. | View more books in“The Library”
“If you want to renew your capacity to recognize and encounter God's beauty in your life, this hope-filled book will show you the way.”
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In Imagination Redeemed’s latest episode, we step into the medieval world of 1373. Learn more about this time with C.S. Lewis (and why it matters!) in this illuminating book!
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”This book is not solely concerned with overtly religious poetry, but attends to the paradoxical ways in which the poetry of doubt and despair also enriches theology.”
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Artist Feature
Gatherings
Contemplative Evening of Worship and Prayer
Sunday, April 6, 2025
7:00pm – 9:00pm
A Dinner Discussion: Enger's Peace Like a River
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Time for Tea
Sunday, April 27, 2025
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Exploring how Lent is
“the spring of hope,” just
like the season itself.