Although we aren’t entirely clear on how Lent developed, this 40-day period of time was in place by the middle of the 4th century A.D. From it’s beginning, the Season of Lent emphasized spiritual renewal through the repentance of sin and self-denial. The word “Lent” is most likely from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “springtime” and so is to be understood as the springtime of the soul, a time for renewal and growth as we recall the journey Jesus made to the cross for us.
This year Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10th. In biblical times ashes were a sign of our frailty and our total dependence upon God for life. As the sign of the cross is made upon our foreheads with the ashes during the Ash Wednesday Service, we are reminded of our own mortality, and we confess our trust in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. The Season of Lent culminates on Good Friday with the death of Jesus Christ, and his burial in a tomb. Ash Wednesday service is at 7pm. From then on Wednesday evenings begin with a soup supper at 6pm follows Lenten Vespers that begin at 7 pm until the Wednesday before Easter.
This year, Easter Sunday is March 27th. Easter is not just one day, but a whole season of 50 days when we celebrate the resurrected Jesus and the new life he gives us. Please call our church office for more information about the schedule of our Holy Week and Easter services and activities.