Immanuel's 2026 Lenten Series
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Commending the Faith that is in Us:  
​What might you say when someone asks what you believe?  

​In a world where Christian believers are surrounded by non-believers, skeptics, and true seekers, believers will increasingly be asked what they believe, and why.  Those inquiring will expect credible answers, yet many Christians fear they wouldn’t know what to say, or even how to begin to engage these honest questions.  Our Lenten Series this year features a slate of distinguished speakers tackling some of the central questions seekers might ask of believers.  We will engage typical questions, as they might come both from seekers/skeptics and from fundamentalist Christians, even role-playing some possible responses together.

​The series takes place on the five Sundays in Lent, February 22-March 22, beginning each Sunday at 11:15 a.m., in the Welcome Center at Virginia Theological Seminary (except for the first Sunday in March, when we meet in the Zabriskie Parish Hall).

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​February 22: Eternal Life
​Led by the Very Rev. Ian Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary.

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​March 1: The Incarnation, and Baptism
​Led by Lisa Kimball, Vice President for Lifelong Learning and the James Maxwell Professor Chair of Lifelong Christian Formation, Virginia Theological Seminary
[Please note: this session will be held at Zabriskie Parish Hall, not the VTS Welcome Center]

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​March 8: The  Bible
Led by the Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb, Director Center for Anglican Communion Studies and Professor in New Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary 

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​March 15: The Church
​Led by the Rt. Rev. Mark Stevenson, Bishop of Virginia

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​March 22: The Resurrection and Atonement
Led by the Rev. Dr. Sarah Coakley, Priest Associate at Immanuel, former professor at Harvard Divinity School and Cambridge University 

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LENTEN RESOURCES

​"Lent at Immanuel": Gives information about the holy season of Lent, including Immanuel's worship and study offerings.

"Lenten Resolves": to assist with personal Lenten planning

LITURGICAL CHANGES IN LENT

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• On the First Sunday in Lent, we will follow age-old Anglican tradition and pray the Great Litany, the first Christian worship service that was translated into English. 
• Throughout the season we omit the ancient praise-shout "Alleluia” as we await the joy of Easter. 
• Our liturgical color will change to purple, the traditional color of penitence, waiting, and expectation. 
• We will make more space for silence in all of our liturgies, more of a time apart from our busy and often noisy lives.

The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions
Lenten Book Study via Zoom

Thursdays at 7:00 PM, February 19 - March 19, 2026

Are you looking for a way to grow your relationship with Jesus during this Lenten Season? Join us for a Lenten book study and discussion on the thought provoking book: The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, by Marcus Borg and NT Wright

What kinds of questions have you had about Jesus? Have you ever wondered if he knew that he was the Messiah? Have you ever been curious about how the resurrection could have occurred? Borg and Wright tackle these and other tough questions and come up with very different answers despite both being leaders in the Anglican tradition. 

What: Book study and discussion about The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, by Marcus Borg and NT Wright. You can purchase the book from your favorite book seller.
Who: A collaboration between St. Dunstan’s, and Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, facilitated by VTS seminarians Cami Caudill (St Dunstan's) and Signa Strom (Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill)
When:  Thursdays at 7pm from February 19 - March 19 (5 weeks total)
Where: Meets on Zoom.