The Christian season of Lent is a period of 40 days excluding Sundays, that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the Saturday before Easter Day. Lent comes from the word spring and, like spring, Lent is a time of renewal and rebirth. The mood of Lent is one of reflection, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on our faith.

Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday. The name comes from the Christian tradition of using ashes to make the sign of a cross on the forehead to symbolize repentance and grieving. Come and join us for Ash Wednesday worship at St. Andrew's on February 6th. We will meet in the lower hall at 6:00 p.m. for a simple supper, followed by worship upstairs at 6:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday is preceded by Shrove Tuesday when Christians have traditionally prepared pancakes. This is a tradition in which Christians gave up meat for Lent and used the last of the animal fat to make pancakes. Everyone is invited to a Pancake Supper at Calvin Goforth Presbyterian Church (1602 Sommerfeld Ave.) on Tuesday, February 5th. Drop in for some pancakes between 5:30–7:30 p.m. There will be a free-will offering to support Presbyterian World Service and Development.