A Lenton Study Invitation: Journey Toward Restoration: 2/18/26-4/1/26
When: We will meet each Wednesday morning from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, through April 1, 2026, from 9:30am to 11:30am in the Newark FUMC Lounge.
What: These gatherings will be an “experience worship book study” with hands-on activiies to help us live out the lessons we read.
See “Lenten Study Details & Sign-Up” at the bottom of this page. Please reserve your spot so we can prepare enough supplies for hands-on activities.
Each Lent, the Spirit invites us to pause – to step away from the hurried pace of the world, and to open our hearts to the quiet, restorative work of God. This year, I would love for you to travel with me on a unique Lenten journey inspired by a simple yet profound image: the abandoned barn.
In her book Abandoned Barns: A Lenten Journey Toward Restoration, Della Ludwig takes us down the back roads of New York’s Finger Lakes, where weathered barns stand as silent witnesses to both time’s wear and grace’s promise. Their silvered boards and leaning beams tell stories of neglect, but also whisper of repair and renewal. Like these barns, there are places in our own lives weathered by seasons of distraction, doubt, or weariness – places in need to God’s tender restoration.
This 40-day study offers daily scripture, reflections, prayers, breath prayers, activities, and images of barns from across the Finger Lakes region. Whether you are part of Newark First UMC or visiting for the first time, you are warmly invited to walk this path together.
Whether you prefer quiet personal reflection at home or sharing the journey with others, Abandoned Barns: A Lenten Journey Toward Restoration offers both paths. The book can guide you through Lent as an independent journey or daily scripture, prayer, and reflection – or you can enrich the experience by joining our weekly group study, where we will explore the themes together, share insights, and encourage one another as we walk toward Easter.
In Lent, we are reminded that restoration is never a self-driven project. It is the work of the Divine Carpenter, who rebuilds what the world has worn thin – making us whole in Christ once more. My prayer is that this journey will be an opportunity for each of us to discover the beauty God is still weaving into our lives.
Come, and let us see what He will restore in us this Lent.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Della
Lenten Study Details & Sign-Up:
Book: Abandoned Barns: A Lenten Journey Toward Restoration, by Della Ludwig.
Special Newark First UMC Price: $8.00 (Amazon Price: $15.99)
Copies Must be Reserved by January 4, 2026.
Sign-Up Location: Drop off in Newark First UMC office or email Pastor Della at revdlludwig@gmail.com
Include your Name, contact info, how many copies of the book you would like, and whether or not you want to sign up for the group study.