United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County - Lent 2025

40 Days of Kindness

This Lent, we’re embracing a powerful way to grow in faith and make a difference: the 40 Days of Kindness Challenge. Designed to engage individuals, families, and groups of all ages, this challenge offers daily opportunities to show kindness, pursue justice, and practice self-care.

Each day focuses on three areas:

Kindness: Simple acts of love and compassion for others.
Justice: Learning about and responding to the needs of the vulnerable.
Self-Care: Taking intentional steps to nurture your own well-being.

Join us as we reflect God’s love in practical ways, transforming lives and communities during this sacred season. Ready to get started? Explore the challenge and make this Lent a time of renewal and action!

40 Days of Kindness Challenge - SOCIAL MEDIA.jpg

START HERE!

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO ACCESS

40 DAYS OF KINDNESS RESOURCES

The 40 Days of Kindness Challenge Guidebook is your resource for living out Lent through daily acts of kindness, justice, and self-care. With simple activities, weekly devotions, and reflection prompts, this guide helps you grow in faith, love, and compassion while making a meaningful impact on your community.

The 40 Days of Kindness Facebook Group

is a space to share stories, photos, and reflections from the 40 Days of Kindness Challenge—inspiring one another to spread love, pursue justice, and embrace self-care this Lent.

IDEAS FOR FAMILIES

The 40 Days of Kindness Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for families to grow closer together while making an impact in the community. Here are some creative ideas to help your family participate in meaningful ways:

Kindness Jar - Place a jar in a central location in your home. Each time a family member completes an act of kindness, write it down on a slip of paper and add it to the jar. At the end of Lent, read the notes together and celebrate the love you’ve shared.
Family Kindness Night - Set aside one evening each week to complete an act of kindness as a family. Examples: baking cookies for a neighbor, cleaning up a local park, or writing thank-you notes to community helpers.
Story Time with a Twist - Read stories about kindness or justice (e.g., children’s books with positive messages) and discuss how your family can follow the example of the characters.
Family Prayer Time - Use the weekly devotions included in the challenge as a guide for a family prayer time. Reflect on how God is calling your family to share His love.
Acts of Kindness Calendar - Hang the challenge calendar in a visible spot, like the kitchen or living room. Each day, let a different family member choose how to complete the activity, then share about it during dinner.

40 Days of Kindness Challenge - BANNER.jpg

TIPS FOR ENGAGING THE 40 DAYS OF KINDNESS CHALLENGE

Start each day with a prayer or moment of reflection, asking God to guide your actions and open your heart to opportunities for kindness, justice, and self-care.
Place the challenge calendar in a visible spot to remind you to stay engaged.
If you miss a day, don’t feel discouraged, just pick up where you left off. The goal is not perfection!
Invite your family, friends, or small group to join the challenge. Share your experiences, encourage one another, and celebrate your successes together. Kindness grows when it’s shared!
Take time each week to reflect on how the challenge is shaping you.
The activities are designed to be approachable for all ages, but if something feels too difficult, adjust it to fit your context.
Keep track of what you’ve accomplished and thank God for every opportunity to make a difference.
Use Sundays as a time to recharge by worshiping with your faith community.
Share your commitment with someone who can encourage and remind you along the way.
Trust that God is using your actions in ways you may not see.

By staying intentional, flexible, and prayerful, you’ll not only complete the challenge but also create habits that last far beyond Lent. Remember, each small step contributes to a larger ripple of love and transformation in your community and the world. You’ve got this!