This year Lent begins on February 21, Ash Wednesday.  This is early but next year Ash Wednesday begins even earlier on February 7.

Traditionally, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is Shrove Tuesday.  Shrove Tuesday was spent getting rid of the "fat," preparing for a time of having less.  Our congregation's Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday has become a time for pancakes and sausage dinner, to get rid of the fat.

Some people will give up something for Lent, cutting the "fat" from their lives.  Over the years I've heard of people giving up sweets, soda-pop, coffee, eating out, television, the things they really like.  Many of these people take the money they would have spent on one thing (the fat) and put that money into coin folders, extra donations to the church, donations to the needy, or they spend more time reading their Bible, praying or in community service.  Lent ends with the Easter Resurrection Celebration and hopefully a more balanced spiritual life.

Ash Wednesday is a time of confession and receiving the Imposition of Ashes.  Those ashes remind us of our own mortality, that we are dust and to dust we shall return.  These ashes come from the burned up palm branches left over from the previous year's Palm Sunday, mixed with some oil and a little water.  Our Confirmation Class participates in this service.  The service also includes the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Lent is a time of finding that spiritual balance in our lives.  What might you give up (fat) in your life?  With what might you replace the "fat" in service to God and God's people?  It's almost time for Lent.  Let us prepare as we begin our Lenten journey with worship at the Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 P.M.

Your partner in ministry,

Bill