This year Easter will be a little later. Easter Sunday is April 21st and that means that Lent will be a little later as well.  In the year 325 the Council of Nicaea decided that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.  Why you might ask, because Jesus’s death occurred around the Jewish Passover, which was celebrated on the first full moon following the vernal equinox. That can happen during the month of March or April so the date of Easter changes from year to year.  Which means that Lent, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday also change dates from year to year depending on when Easter is celebrated.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6th this year.  It is celebrated for 40 days not counting Sunday. Sunday was viewed as a celebration day, a little Easter so Sundays are not counted during Lent fasting.  Lent is a season of penitence and preparation. Often people fast during Lent giving up something so they can focus on God. I shared a picture on social media not long ago of someone who decided to give up one item each day for Lent.  It could be clothes, shoes, or food items that could be donated to a local charity. What a wonderful way to give during Lent. We are called during the season to focus on Christ and all that He has given for us.

Wednesday, March 6th is Ash Wednesday and it is also time for our regular J.O.Y. Group meeting.  We will celebrate both by having a brief imposition of ashes service and a meal at the church. We will meet at 11:30 AM in the Sanctuary and then share a meal together in the Fellowship Hall.  The service will last about 30 minutes and will begin at 11:30 AM. If your schedule will only allow you to attend the service that is fine and you are welcome to take a to go plate. Everyone is invited!  More information about the meal will be shared soon. Rev.Melissa