New Book For Lent Invites Us To Remember

Said author Rev Susan Robb: “The book is based on the idea of remembering the God who remembers us.”

Like many pastors, Rev. Susan Robb was having a hard time finding Bible studies that worked well for her context. Five years ago, while serving at Highland Park UMC and looking for something specific, she decided to write the study herself. That project evolved into her first book, “Called: Hearing and Responding to God’s Voice.” Now in retirement, Robb has just released her fourth series, ideal for the Lenten Season. 

“Remember: God’s Covenants and the Cross” includes a participant study, leader guide and video series available on DVD or streaming through Amplify Media.

“The book is based on the idea of remembering the God who remembers us,” Robb said. “One thing I loved that I discovered in my research for the book is that every time the scriptures say ‘God remembered’ someone – Abraham, Israel, Hagar – salvation is right around the corner.”

“Remember” was born from Robb’s experience of preaching a Lenten series on the readings of the Easter Vigil that trace God’s saving work throughout the scriptures. 

“I was not raised in a very liturgical environment, but 22 years ago when I began serving at a highly liturgical church, my favorite services were Lessons and Carols and the Easter Vigil,” Robb recalled. “Specifically I loved the Easter Vigil because it tells the story from creation to the cross. We start with readings showing the covenants God makes throughout the Old Testament. My mind and heart had been captivated by that.” 

As she reflected on this idea of how God remembers us as we remember God, her Lenten series based on the lectionary readings for this year emerged. 

“Any time God remembers us we are invited to remember God and God’s saving work in Jesus,” Robb said. “Each time we receive communion, when we pray the Great Thanksgiving, it reminds us of these covenants and what God has done for us.”

Lent is an ideal time to remember all that God has done through Christ’s life, death and resurrection and continues to do through grace in our lives today. This series will be a fruitful addition to your church’s experience of the season. 

Learn more and order the Remember series online or make plans to attend the upcoming two-day webinar “God’s Story is Our Story.” During the session,  noon on Jan. 23 and 25, Robb will be joined by Bishop Tom Berlin and host Magrey DeVega.

Robb will also speak and sign books at Highland Park UMC on Feb. 4. She will help us learn how to best use this book to enrich this holy season and deepen our experience of Lent. Let members of your classes and small groups know about this timely opportunity, as the book is perfect for individual and group reflection and study during Lent. Register

Published: Wednesday, January 17, 2024