Shrove Tuesday — Then and Now
The day before Ash Wednesday is Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called “Fat Tuesday.” Centuries ago Christians often stuffed themselves with food before beginning 40 days of fasting for Lent. In those days, many Christians used up all the food containing fat, including dairy products. Because so many foods, including pancakes, used those fat products, many churches had huge feasts. A lot of people ate until they could hold no more — the beginnings of all-you-can-eat dinners. Today many congregations still keep at least a semblance of the tradition. In communities around the world, churches serve pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. But today the purpose is to have Christian fellowship, not to devour everything in sight.
A Cross Made by Ashes
The observance of Ash Wednesday, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, dates from at least the eighth century A.D. The ancient custom was for the worshipers to approach the altar before the beginning of the Mass. A priest would dip his thumb into ashes made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms and make the sign of the cross on each person’s forehead.
Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express penitence. Dusting themselves with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one expressing his penitence is found in Job 42:3-5. Job says to God: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (v. 5, NRSV).
The Significance of Lent
Lent is the fourth season of the Christian year. Its length is the 40 days preceding Easter Day, not counting Sundays. This means Lent always begins on a Wednesday, known as Ash Wednesday.
Lent commemorates Jesus’ fast and temptation in the wilderness of Judea Province, which, according to the Gospel, lasted 40 days. Just as Jesus confronted his temptations during these 40 days, Lent helps Christians focus on our most basic need as sinners: forgiveness.
The only way our Lord’s forgiving power can become effective in our lives is by our taking the initiative to confront our sins, confess them and repent of them. In short, Lent is a season of penitence.
Some Christians fast during Lent. This denial of bodily comforts can help encourage self-reflection about the need for Jesus’ forgiveness.
Announcements
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Wednesday at 4:00pm
You may reach Pastor Joe at 570-465-7303 or his cell #570-267-4570
Sunday, March 2 – Transfiguration of our Lord
Wednesday, March 5 – Ash Wednesday
Friday, March 7 – World Day of Prayer
Sunday, March 9 – First Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 9 – Daylight Savings Time begins
Sunday, March 9 – Girl Scout Sunday
Saturday, March 15 – Family Supper in the Community Building – 5:30 pm
Sunday, March 16 – Second Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 16 – Session Meeting following Worship Service
Monday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
Thursday, March 20 – First Day of Spring
Sunday, March 23 – Third Sunday in Lent
Tuesday, March 25 – Newsletter Deadline
Sunday, March 30 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
Souper Bowl – Thank you to all who donated! $416.00 and 42 items were collected and given to 6 local families.
Trip to see Moses at Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA – If you are interested in going, today, March 2nd, is the last day to sign up, as we need to order the tickets, so that we can reserve the date of June 12th, as the seats are filling up. The scheduled date is Thursday, June 12th. Cost is $52.00 for adults, $29.00 for teens (age 13-18) and $19.00 for child (age 3-12). If we have 15 or more, the adult price changes to $49.40. The teen and child price stays the same. If there are any children or teens within the church that would like to go, the church has offered some funding, but there must be at least one parent or grandparent with the child or teen. If you have any questions, please see
Bonne Travis or Carolyn White.
Pastor Joe will be coming to choir practice on Wed. afternoons and stay afterward for anyone who would like to meet with him. It would be best to call or e-mail to make arrangements.
Past and present Elders are needed to be Worship Leaders to do the Welcome, Announcements and Call to Worship. Please see Joyce to sign up. Also Liturgists are needed – Bill will be circulating – be ready!!!
Prayer Shawl Ministry – We have several shawls ready. If anyone knows of anyone in need of one, please let Carolyn White know. Also, if anyone is interested in making shawls, scarves, hats and mittens at home and wants to donate them to this ministry, please give them to Carolyn White for distribution. We will resume our meetings, once the weather gets better. Thank you!!!
Loose Change Offerings
1st Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s Fund
2nd Sunday – Local Emergency/Deacon’s
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malaho
4th Sunday – Building Maintenance
5th Sunday – Habitat for Humanity (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
Pastor Marilyn and Ray would love to hear from you during the winter months. The address is:
5201 W. Camelback Rd. Lot B 31, Phoenix, AZ 85031, The phone is 607-222-8261 and the e-mail address is: barnardms82@gmail.com
Jim & Kim’s Catering is pleased to introduce a new service for seniors and shut-ins. We are now offering Home Cooked meals delivered right to your door. We deliver for $7.00 a person. Call Kim Barbour with orders or questions—570-967-2372 or 607-438-8042. Check our our website, weekly menus are on there: www.jimkimscatering.com