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Finding Our Way to the Ashes


Finding Our Way to the Ashes:

Journeys into Lent

Thursdays, March 5 & 12, 2026
1:30 - 3:00 pm ET - online 

What does it mean to observe Lent in a world that feels like it's on fire? How can local churches use this season well, not as religious obligation, but as genuine formation? And what might Lent offer to ordinary Jesus followers right now, in this moment, in this country?

These are the questions we're bringing to the Learning Centre over the next two Thursdays. Together we'll explore what it means to discover, rediscover, or deepen a Lenten practice here in Canada. Joining us are Robyn Elliot and James Sholl, two Canadian pastors with beautifully different backgrounds (one Baptist, one Anglican) and very different journeys to Lent. They'll share openly, prime the conversation, and then open the floor to all of us. Where does Lent fall on your map this season? What have you left behind, and what might be waiting for you in the ancient rhythms of the church? What does it look like to walk through this season faithfully when the world feels heavy?

Each week includes open community conversation, time for honest reflection, and space for prayer together. Whether you grew up with ashes on your forehead or have never followed the Lent season at all we’d love to have you join this mini series. 

Week 1, March 5: The Journey to Lent Two pastors share what brought them to Lent, and we open the floor. Where did Lent fall on your radar growing up? What shifted? Community conversation follows.

Week 2, March 12: Lent in Real Life How do we actually observe Lent when the world feels like it's on fire? How can churches and individual Jesus followers use this season well, right now, in this country? Conversation, reflection, and prayer together.

Presenters:

Featured
Robyn Elliot
Robyn Elliot

Robyn Elliot is the associate pastor at Lakeside Church in Guelph and has an MDiv from Tyndale with a dual focus in the Mission of the Church and Spiritual Direction. 

Born in Barbados, the beach is in her bones, but Canada is home, where she and her husband Steve raised 3 children (and now 3 grandkids). Her theologically conservative upbringing was not a safe space to question or doubt, but walking alongside people who are wrestling with God and desiring to experience Jesus as the way is one of her favourite things to do. 

James Scholl
James Scholl

James Scholl is the Lead Pastor at Wellspring Worship Centre in North York, ON.

 

Register

There are two options to access the New Leaf Learning Centre: a monthly subscription or a one-series pass (below). For the monthly subscription, please visit here.

from CA$10.00

The suggested amount is $20 ($10/week); simply choose your amount in the drop-down menu and “sign up now.”

We would like for you to join us, so if you can’t afford the registration at this time, please reach out to us, and we will make sure you are able to participate: admin@newleafnetwork.ca

 
Earlier Event: February 12
Plurality in the Pulpit
Later Event: April 29
SAVE THE DATE: Brampton Book Launch - Pastoral Calling Reimagined