What is Lent?
Lent is observed in the weeks leading up to Easter. It is a time of reflection and refocus. It is a time to slow down and practice intentionally focusing our desires. During Lent many Christians choose to give up some comfort or convenience in their lives to declutter and focus on the grace that God gives us. The season of Lent is 40 days long (excluding Sundays).
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. During the service the pastor draws a cross on one’s forehead with ash. This symbolizes mourning and repentance, as well as our acknowledgement that we need God’s grace.
If you would like to read more about Lent there are some resources below.
Resources
Upcoming Lent & Easter Events
Lent & Easter FAQ’s
WHAT IS ASH WEDNESDAY?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, a 40 day period of reflection and repentance designed to direct our hearts toward Jesus. At the service, ashes are applied to one's forehead in the shape of a cross to symbolize that we are mortal and need something bigger than ourselves. As the ashes are applied, the pastor reminds us of our frailty and need for a Savior. The ashes are not magical, but they are a reminder of these realities.
WHAT IS PALM SUNDAY?
Palm Sunday is celebrated with a worship service that falls on the Sunday before Easter each year. It is a time to remember the triumphal entry of Jesus (Luke 19:28-40) as He rides in on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). It reminds us that Jesus is powerful, yet humble; laying His life down out of His deep well of compassion for the lost (Luke 19:41-44).
WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY?
On Good Friday, we reflect upon what Jesus did on the cross for us (Romans 5:6-8). This is a time of remembrance and worship because Jesus gave His life in our place: the just for the unjust, the innocent for the guilty (2 Corinthians 5:21). We call the death of Jesus “good” because He bore our sin and shame so that we could be set free (Isaiah 53). Jesus did this out of His great love for us, desiring that we would be forgiven of our sins once and for all. Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried in a tomb.
WHAT IS EASTER SUNDAY?
Easter Sunday is a day of celebration because Jesus is risen from the dead! After three days in the tomb, God raised Jesus from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). This is our great hope that sin and death have been defeated once and for all. Since Jesus rose from the dead and is alive, we can believe that one day all things will be made right and that He is the good, reigning King over all creation (Revelation 21:1-4).
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND FASTING* & FEASTING DURING LENT?
Fasting and Feasting are practices that teach us to hunger for God and be satisfied in Him. John Starke states in his book, The Possibility of Prayer, “The rhythm of feasting and fasting forms hearts at rest with God rather than hearts that restlessly crave the things of this world.” Fasting is to intentionally abstain from food*, entertainment, or anything that may distract the soul to train our desires to long for God. Feasting is the practice of delighting in God’s good gifts with great joy.
For example, we intentionally fast from items such as social media, cell phones, certain drinks, or a type of food during Lent to tune our hearts to look to the joy of Easter. Feasting may be taking time to prepare and enjoy a delicious meal while intentionally thanking God for that blessing.
*Before fasting from food, consider your overall health and consider talking to a doctor.