Visual Arts & Drama - Sunday, 22 February 2026 – First Sunday in Lent, Year A
Lent is an important part of the liturgical year and there is much we can be doing to really set the scene for this season. Colour, flowers, decorations, crosses, objects of the passion, the crown of thorns, candles, the Easter tree, and offering baskets are items we have used in the past to bring this season to life. For Visual Arts, Drama and Service Ideas for Lent, click here.
Additional images for Lent can be found here.
Altar Colour: Violet
You can access excellent examples of church art relevant to each season of the Church year on the Visual Arts website.PowerPoint Slides (Widescreen)
PowerPoint Slides (Standard 4:3)
Simply download your preferred slides and copy the liturgy and songs into each slide.
Drama
OFFERING BASKET
The first reading for the day speaks of bringing offerings to God in a basket. If it is not yet the practice of the congregation, today may be a good day to introduce a ‘food for charity’ collection basket. A large wicker basket can be placed at the door of the church. Worshippers are asked to make it a regular part of their worship to bring food-stuffs to place in the basket. The basket is presented along with the offering plates and the bread and wine for communion during the offertory. The food is then distributed to those that the congregation knows are in need, or via an agency such as Lutheran Community Care, the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul.
Dramatising the Readings
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer.
For instance, the first reading could be read by four readers: narrator, the Lord, serpent, Eve. It could also be mimed during the reading or acted out by children. If the reading is acted out, note that Adam’s part is silent – he shares the guilt in his silent acquiescence.
The gospel may be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), the tempter, Jesus. It could also be mimed, perhaps by children.
