Across the world folks are celebrating. In New Orleans, the annual festival of Mardi Gras has been supercharged this year by the Super Bowl win of the Saints, and Fat Tuesday is the biggest day of the festival. Fat or Shrove Tuesday as it is also called has many traditions attached to it. One of these traditions is eating pancakes. Our Nicaragua Missions Team will be hosting a pancake supper at 6:30 p.m. to raise money for the trip (just in case you’re looking for good food and fellowship).
In years past making pancakes and eating pancakes was a way in which households prepared for the season of Lent which begins the following day, also known as Ash Wednesday. On Tuesday, families would eat up all of the rich foods left in their pantries. Those foods included eggs, milk, oil, sugar and meat. Add some flour, and you’ve got the makings of a wonderful pancake supper.
By emptying the cupboards, people entered into a period of self-discipline and denial. Giving up rich foods would serve as a reminder of all that Jesus gave up for them. Today many of us continue to practice the Lenten discipline of giving something up. The hope is that making a small sacrifice during the forty days of Lent will help to prepare our hearts, mind and bodies to more fully receive and appreciate the gift of Easter.
So enjoy the pancakes, and check out the calendar and worship tabs for ways to continue preparations for the journey of Lent.
Blessings,
Pastor Sherri
