Buenos Dias! That was the phrase we used in Mexico last week to greet people. It was also used to say “good bye” when we didn’t have a clue what else to say – even our Mexican brothers and sisters started using it on us! You’ll hear more about our trip during World Outreach Week in April. For many of us it was a “cleansing” experience – I know it kept this pastor on his knees – literally!

Lint or Lent? Which is it? Believe it or not, we’re about to enter into a new season of the year. We’re still seven weeks from spring, but this Wednesday, February 6 (Kirk’s birthday), will begin a new season called Lent (it has nothing to do with the fuzzy stuff that sticks to your clothes!). Lent means “Springtime” and is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday (not counting the Sundays – I’ll explain that in a moment). It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (”Fat Tuesday”) – now a day denoted by beads, beer, wine, music, dancing and “lawlessness,” but originally a day to cleanse your home of all fats, sugars and sweets in preparation to fast during Lent. It is a time of preparation to celebrate the events of Holy Week. It is a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for each of us and to enter into a time of personal sacrifice as well. The liturgical color is purple to denote suffering and royalty.

Some people “give up” something for Lent like sweets, pop, chocolate, TV, or fast a meal or more per week, etc. (My kids usually try to give up vegetables, but Robin won’t allow it!) Some people add something to their schedule like additional times of prayer (you may want to join us on alternating Tuesday nights for Prayer & Praise), spend extended time with the Lord, write a letter of affirmation to a Sunday School teacher or pastor, add a new devotional book during Lent, reconnect with a friend, donate blood, forgive an enemy, or pray specifically for a pre-Christian you know. It’s just another opportunity to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

We’ll begin Lent by observing Ash Wednesday this Wednesday, February 6, at 7:00am with a brief “marking” ceremony in the Chapel and concluding with an all Church “poverty meal” of rice and beans in Harris Hall at 5:30, followed by an Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. At both services you will be given the opportunity to receive the “sign of the cross” on your forehead, reminding us of our own mortality and Christ’s great sacrifice. Come join us as we begin our special walk toward Easter Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Why don’t you count Sundays during Lent? Sundays are “mini Easters” celebrating the resurrection, so those are always to be days of celebration, never days of mourning or fasting.