Cuaresma

When Did We See You?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:46:35 GMT

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” … “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”—Matthew 25:37, 40

An Honest Lenten Study on Money, God, and Faith

Like so many of us, Elizabeth Mae Magill struggles to wrap her head around the tensions involving wealth, responsible planning for the future, and how God wants us to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. How does a Christian with money respond and act in a country where over 36 million people live below the poverty line?

In When Did We See You?, Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. With candor, grace, and deep pastoral insight, Magill wrestles with her own material privilege and encourages us to do the same.

Grounded in scripture and the author's own life and experience, this study explores how wealth shapes our relationship with God and neighbor and calls us back to Christ's radical way of love, justice, and solidarity with the poor. Reminding us that all that we have belongs to God, Magill leads us through a revelatory journey as we consider:

Our relationship to money and concerns about having enough
Biblical teachings on money, charity, justice
A faithful response to those in our community who have less
How spiritual poverty brings us closer to God and others
What Jesus' teachings call us to do—and who they call us to become

When Did We See You? can be used for individual study or small groups, and includes:

A chapter for each week of Lent, with reflection questions for each day
Litanies for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Stories from real congregations wrestling with poverty and hope
Concrete ideas you and your community can use to alleviate poverty

In a world of both abundance and inequality, When Did We See You? guides us through a crucial and timely conversation about our money, economic justice, and God's call for a world with enough for all. This Lent, may we have eyes to truly see Christ in our neighbors, and respond with love and action.

When Did We See You? is perfect for:

Lenten small-group studies
Church-wide reading programs
Pastors and leaders looking to open dialogue on money, justice, and discipleship

When Did We See You?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:04:22 GMT

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” … “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”—Matthew 25:37, 40

An Honest Lenten Study on Money, God, and Faith

Our relationship to money and concerns about having enough
Biblical teachings on money, charity, justice
A faithful response to those in our community who have less
How spiritual poverty brings us closer to God and others
What Jesus' teachings call us to do—and who they call us to become

When Did We See You? can be used for individual study or small groups, and includes:

A chapter for each week of Lent, with reflection questions for each day
Litanies for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Stories from real congregations wrestling with poverty and hope
Concrete ideas you and your community can use to alleviate poverty

When Did We See You? is perfect for:

Lenten small-group studies
Church-wide reading programs
Pastors and leaders looking to open dialogue on money, justice, and discipleship

Draw Close

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:55:53 GMT

Experience scripture, God, and your faith in a fresh new way this Lenten season! In the interactive devotional Draw Close, Rev. Stephanie Dunn invites people of all faith levels and artistic skills into a creative daily practice that will deepen your faith and help you engage scripture in imaginative new ways.

On each of the 40 days of Lent, Dunn introduces you to a biblical text, prayer, and word prompt to ponder, followed by a blank page for you to respond in whatever way you choose—sketching, doodling, poetry, journaling, or however your heart desires! As you engage with the Lenten texts in this immersive way, you'll discover new depths of insight, connection, and spiritual renewal. Through the act of creation, you'll find a sacred space where prayer, meditation, and creativity converge, nurturing your soul and fostering a closer relationship with God.

This unique Lenten companion for all ages can be used alone or with a group of others looking for new ways to practice their faith. Pick up a pencil or pen and prepare to draw closer to God this Lent! Perforated pages allow you to tear out your favorite creations to hang on the wall or fridge.

READ A SAMPLE.

Five Ways to Use Draw Close in Your Church This Lent

Where We Meet

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:26:35 GMT

Meet Jesus at the Intersection of Faith and Justice

Jesus devoted himself to uplifting the poor, reaching out to the marginalized, and fearlessly challenging systems of oppression. His message resounded with the promise of liberation, equality, and inclusion for all, and he implored his followers to pursue the same. However, the church has often struggled to reflect this good news in its own actions.

In Where We Meet, four members of the Intersect network invite you to immerse yourself in the stories of Jesus and the early church. Together, they also explore their own stories, examine past shortcomings of the church, address difficult questions, and envision a brighter future that better reflects the good news of Jesus.

Throughout the Lenten season, Rachel Gilmore, Tyler Sit, Matt Temple, and Candace Lewis guide you through a series of daily reflections, exploring a spectrum of critical themes—from diversity and equity to the challenges of the post-colonial church. They will also delve into the vital need for innovation and contextualization in doing the work Jesus had called us to do.

Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus' footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all.

Download a Free Sample

Where We Meet

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:34:22 GMT

Meet Jesus at the Intersection of Faith and Justice

Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus' footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all.

Download a Free Sample

Unrevealed Until Its Season

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 22:38:03 GMT

Unrevealed Until Its Season

Walking in the Wilderness

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:21:15 GMT

Walking in the Wilderness

Unrevealed Until Its Season

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:39:34 GMT

Author James Howell believes in the power of song to teach spiritual truths. "Hymns embed faith into the marrow of the soul," he writes. In Unrevealed Until Its Season, Howell takes us on a 40-day journey through well-loved hymns.

A meaningful Lenten devotional guide for individuals and small groups, Unrevealed Until Its Season is also a valuable resource and perfect gift for musicians as they prepare for worship, and for ministers as they lead worship.

Weekly themes include Praising God, Hymns About Jesus, Hymns of Forgiveness, Hymns of Vision, Hymns of Beauty, Hymns of Holy Week, and Hymns of Easter. Howell ponders phrases from old and new hymns, such as "Be Thou My Vision," "Hymn of Promise," "All Creatures of Our God and King," "For Everyone Born," "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Lift High the Cross," and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

My Body Is Good

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:27:24 GMT

Author Anne Cumings recalls growing up in a culture that scrutinized her body as a source of weakness and sin. Her church warned of "slippery slides into debauchery," and modern culture taught her that she must look a certain way to be attractive, acceptable, even lovable—something to which most women will relate. Now, equipped with a body-positive mindset, she has created an engaging and uplifting study, My Body Is Good, to guide readers through a Lenten season of celebrating their bodies.

Written specifically for women, each daily meditation offers a scripture passage, a reflection, and a prayer. Readers are encouraged to capture their questions, ideas, and thoughts through journaling and other spiritual practices, all with the intention of healing from diet culture. Join her on this Lenten journey and never again forget that your God-given body, made from dust, is good.

The God We Can Know Session 7 - Knowing God's Possibilities

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:18:48 GMT

This video segment takes us to the village of Bethany, 1½ miles east of Jerusalem. As the video opens, Rob Fuquay stands in front of a first-century tomb carved out of limestone. We learn that it is Lazarus's tomb. Fuquay recalls the story of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha, all good friends of Jesus. Lazarus becomes ill and dies. By the time Jesus reaches Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days. As he stands at the door to Lazarus's tomb, Fuquay says he's always wondered why Jesus took his time getting to Bethany—why he didn't spare Mary and Martha from their brother's death. He feels the emotion of Martha's words, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died." She is disappointed in Jesus. "Do you know what it's like to be disappointed in God?" Fuquay asks. We go down into Lazarus's tomb with Fuquay as we ponder those words.

The scene shifts to the Garden Tomb. Over the years Christians have come here to pray, worship, and celebrate that Jesus is not dead—he is risen! The Garden Tomb reminds us that God does not have to sidestep death to be powerful. Christ's resurrection shows us that nothing can stop God from working. "Have you ever experienced God bringing new possibilities when you thought all hope was lost?" Fuquay asks. "That's the power of the one who said, 'I am the resurrection and the life.'" We review scenes from Lazarus's tomb and the Garden Tomb as we reflect on God's power to bring new possibilities into our lives.

The God We Can Know Session 6 - Knowing God's Way

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:18:39 GMT

At the beginning of this video, we see Rob Fuquay walking on an ancient Roman road—the Via Maris, one of the highways the Romans built in the Middle East. Jesus might have been thinking of this highway when he said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

We move with Fuquay to the Upper Room, where Jesus shared his last meal with the disciples and saddened them by telling them he was going away. Thomas asked, "Where are you going?" Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you. You know the way to that place." Then Thomas asked, "But how can we know the way?" Jesus replied, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Fuquay remarks that this is probably the most controversial of Jesus' "I am" sayings.

Our next visit is to Jerusalem, where we peer over Fuquay's shoulder to see the Dome of the Rock, a sacred site for Muslims. Looking down, we can see the Western Wall, where many Jewish people come to pray and place written prayers in the wall. Nearby is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a major pilgrimage site for Christians. Fuquay leads us to think about how Jesus would handle encounters with people of other faiths.

Finally, Fuquay leads us along a path in the Galilean hills called the Jesus Trail. People come to walk this trail and remember many activities of Jesus' early ministry. Fuquay reminds us that Jesus came to teach us about knowing God's way, offering us a new way to live.

The God We Can Know Session 5 - Knowing God's Power

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:18:30 GMT

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower," Jesus declares in John 15:1. Grapes are one of the oldest agricultural products in the world—no wonder Jesus used the grapevine as an illustration of his relationship with his followers, Rob Fuquay says. The video opens in a vineyard at the foot of Mount Tabor in Israel. In this video segment, we travel with Fuquay to the Israel Museum, an outdoor model of Jerusalem as it was in Jesus' day. We also see the Cenacle, the site built to commemorate the upper room where Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples. Finally, we visit the owners of a vineyard as Fuquay talks with them about the care of grapevines. Pruning is an important part of maintaining healthy vines, the vineyard owners emphasize. Without pruning, the vine suffers. Jesus says the same is true in our spiritual lives. Fuquay leaves us to reflect on the importance of the connection we have with the Vinegrower (God) through Jesus.

The God We Can Know Session 4 - Knowing God's Care

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:18:22 GMT

This video segment begins in a sheep pen as Rob Fuquay talks about shepherding. Shepherds have been around for at least 6,000 years, he says. In Jesus' day, shepherds sometimes rented a safe place to keep their sheep at night, in an enclosure with a locked gate. Often several flocks of sheep were kept in the same enclosure. This setting brings life to Jesus' words "I am the good shepherd" and "I am the door and gate of the sheep."

We travel out to the countryside, where Fuquay remarks that shepherding was hard, dangerous work. Shepherds had to keep sheep on the move to keep them from overgrazing any one area, and this made them vulnerable to attacks. We see Qumran, the site where a shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. This site is a good place to think about Jesus' image "I am the door to the sheep," Fuquay says.

The video winds up at the Lions Gate, the oldest gate in the wall around Jerusalem. In the time when Nehemiah rebuilt the temple, this was called the Sheep's Gate because it was the gate through which sheep were brought into the Temple for sacrifice.

The God We Can Know Session 3 - Knowing God's Guidance

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:18:14 GMT

In this video segment Rob Fuquay takes us to Jerusalem during the Feast of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths. This festival commemorates and celebrates God's guiding the people of Israel through the desert, leading them with a pillar of fire. Fuquay notes that the feast is a reminder that we are still people on a journey.

We visit the Western Wall of Jerusalem, also known as the Wailing Wall. On top of that wall was the courtyard where Jesus stood on the Night of Grand Illumination and declared, "I am the light of the world." On the Night of Grand Illumination, giant torches lined the Temple courtyard and lit up the entire city of Jerusalem. Nearby the Sanhedrin was meeting on that night, plotting to put Jesus to death.

Fuquay reminds us of the drama taking place when Jesus said he was the light of the world. This session leads us to reflect on ways God has guided us in the past and continues to guide us in our daily lives.

The God We Can Know Session 2 - Knowing God's Satisfaction

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:18:06 GMT

This video segment takes us to the Mount of Beatitudes, the site that commemorates Jesus' feeding the 5,000. Fuquay notes that the crowd consisted of 5,000 men; with women and children, it could have been as many as 15,000 people. Besides the Resurrection, the story of Jesus' miracle of feeding the crowd is the only miracle story told in all four Gospels.

Next, we go with Fuquay to Capernaum, an outpost of Jesus' ministry that was located on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came to Capernaum after the feeding of the crowd. Less than 24 hours after this miracle, people in the crowd asked Jesus, "What will you do for us?"

The last part of this video shows Fuquay standing on the banks of the Jordan River, a significant site because this is where the people of Israel entered the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the desert. When the Hebrews finally reached the Promised Land, God's daily provision of manna stopped, and they had to seek God's provision in a new way. This video helps us explore the question "What does it mean to trust God and find our satisfaction in Jesus?"

The God We Can Know Session 1 - Knowing the Great "I Am"

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:17:58 GMT

In this video, Rob Fuquay helps us learn the background of the words "I Am" in scripture.

Filmed in the Holy Land, the video begins in the desert, where God spoke the words "I Am" to Moses. Through Moses's encounter with the burning bush, God called Moses to return to Egypt and tell Pharaoh, "Let my people go!" Moses asked God, "If the people ask who sent me, what shall I say?" God replied, "Tell the Israelites 'I Am' has sent you."

Twelve hundred years later, Jesus used the words "I Am" to refer to himself, employing images of bread, light, shepherding, and grapevines. Rob Fuquay takes us to Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he speaks with senior rabbi Dennis Sasso.

Jesus' language in the "I Am" statements is straight out of first-century Judaism, Sasso says, and Jesus' Jewish audience would have resonated with his statements. In Jewish teaching, the Torah is often referred to as the bread of life. Sasso explains that light symbolizes the soul. He also mentions the vine as a symbol of the people, or community, that God protects, nurtures, and keeps. The Ten Commandments open with the words "I Am," he notes. In this video you will hear cantor Melissa Cohen chant the opening words of the Ten Commandments in Hebrew.

Cada celebración: Cuaresma y temporada de Resurrección

Wed, 18 May 2022 21:10:01 GMT

PDF Download

Este recurso cumple una variedad de propósitos al ofrecer ayuda en la planificación de la adoración, sugerencias para ayudas visuales, ideas para la liturgia, e información concisa sobre celebraciones litúrgicas relacionadas con la Cuaresma y Temporada de Resurrección.

Disponible sólo para ser bajado como un documento PDF.

Notas:

Se concede permiso para fotocopiar con la compra de este recurso.
¡Lo sentimos! Este recurso no tiene descuento de promoción o por la compra de múltiples copias.
No se aceptan devoluciones o reembolsos de dinero.

The God We Can Know

Tue, 17 May 2022 01:09:43 GMT

Getting to know God means getting to know ourselves. The more we know who God is the more we know who we are. The Gospel of John records several declarations of Jesus known as the "I Am" sayings. This 7-week study is designed for the entire congregation to explore each of those sayings and will help you find and form an answer to the most essential question in the Christian faith, "Who do you say I am?"

One by one, Jesus' statements grab our imagination, reveal more about his identity and purpose, and connect us to the God of Moses, who spoke the first "I Am." These significant yet ordinary images (bread, light, shepherd, vine, and more) give us insightful ways to experience Jesus and point us to a God who wants to be known.

What is included in the study?

BOOK INCLUDES:

Exploration and commentary on the images Jesus uses in the "I Am" statements
Fuquay's personal experiences to help connect the "I Am" sayings into your life
Reflection questions

THE DVD FEATURES:

Age-level guides for children, youth, and adults
6 sessions filmed on location in the Holy Land, allows you to travel with Rob Fuquay and actually see the places where Jesus stood when he disclosed his true identity, and in what context he spoke each "I Am." The video sessions for this study are as follows:
- Introduction: "Knowing the Great I Am" — 10:07
- Session 1: "I Am the Bread of Life" — 8:45
- Session 2: "I Am the Light of the World" — 6:35
- Session 3: "I Am the Good Shepherd" — 8:03
- Session 4: "I Am the True Vine" — 8:24
- Session 5: "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" — 8:56
- Session 6: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" — 7:59

To purchase the DVD click here.

For more information and samples, visit TheGodWeCanKnow.UpperRoomBooks.com.

The God We Can Know DVD

Sat, 14 May 2022 04:26:49 GMT

What is included in the study?

BOOK INCLUDES:

Exploration and commentary on the images Jesus uses in the "I Am" statements
Fuquay's personal experiences to help connect the "I Am" sayings into your life
Reflection questions

THE DVD FEATURES:

Age-level guides for children, youth, and adults
6 sessions filmed on location in the Holy Land, allows you to travel with Rob Fuquay and actually see the places where Jesus stood when he disclosed his true identity, and in what context he spoke each "I Am." The video sessions for this study are as follows:
- Introduction: "Knowing the Great I Am" — 10:07
- Session 1: "I Am the Bread of Life" — 8:45
- Session 2: "I Am the Light of the World" — 6:35
- Session 3: "I Am the Good Shepherd" — 8:03
- Session 4: "I Am the True Vine" — 8:24
- Session 5: "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" — 8:56
- Session 6: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" — 7:59

To purchase the BOOK click here.

Walking in the Wilderness

Sat, 14 May 2022 04:13:28 GMT

A Lenten Companion for Life's Challenges

"We come hungry to this season of Lent," author Beth Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way."

People of faith today are struggling as they navigate a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division. These moments of wilderness and exile test our faith and invite us to seek God's presence more deeply. The wilderness, however, is a familiar place for those who follow Jesus. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, Lent calls us to examine ourselves, repent, and make room in our lives for the Holy One.

Walking in the Wilderness is designed to be your companion on this sacred journey. With daily reflections from Ash Wednesday through Easter — as well as weekly spiritual practices — this devotional offers guidance for individuals or groups seeking to grow spiritually and navigate personal and collective experiences of wilderness during Lent.

Daily Devotions: Each daily devotion includes:

A quotation from an Upper Room resource.
A short scripture passage to reflect on.
A thoughtful and inspiring meditation by Richardson.
A prayer to center your heart.
A single word to carry with you throughout the day.

Weekly Spiritual Practices: Each Sunday introduces a practice to help you navigate life's wilderness seasons with purpose:

Being Present
Lament
Lectio Divina
Trust
Compassion
Hospitality

Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast, offering readers the sustenance they need to grow in faith, renew their spirit, and embrace the hope and promise of Easter.

Perfect for Individual or Group Study

Whether you're seeking personal reflection or a resource for small group discussions, this devotional provides meaningful insights and practices for deepening your connection with God.