The season of Lent is considered a “moveable period” in the church year. It is a preparatory season for the festival of Easter, and since Easter is determined by the lunar calendar and not a calendar date, the entire Lent and Easter season shifts from one year to another. This year the first day of Lent known as Ash Wednesday begins on Wednesday, February 14th. Historically, churches have chosen to mark the 40 days and Sundays of Lent as a penitential period focusing on the agony of Jesus’ death on the cross and spiritual growth. The number 40 was both symbolic of Jesus 40 days in the wilderness, and it was intended to represent a tenth of the year. Men and women, thus, dedicated a tenth of the year to sacrificing, learning and growing in faith. The English word “Lent” actually comes from the old English phrase to “lengthen.” This implies both the light and days in spring growing greater, but also that Christians grow greater in faith.

The Ash Wednesday services on February 14th will follow the traditional liturgy of reflection, confession and the imposition of ashes. The remaining five Wednesday 7 pm evening services will be celebrated with Marty Haugen’s Holden Evening Prayer.