The English word “Lent” comes from the Anglo–Saxon word lencten, which means lengthen and refers to the lengthening days of spring.
The purpose of Lent is the preparation for Easter through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians, seeking and receiving forgiveness for one’s sins against God and neighbor.
Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). We do not count Sundays because they are always celebrated as little Easters. The length of the season is representative ofthe sacrifice of Jesus Christ's journey into the desert for 40 days.
Lenten Breakfast
Everyone is invited to begin the Lenten season on the morning of Ash Wednesday, February 14 with a delightful breakfast prepared and served by the United Women in Faith's Grace Circle at 9:30AM in Celebration Hall (Doors 2&7).
The breakfast is FREE but please RSVP using the link below or sign up in the church office.
Pastor Brittney Stephan will be the guest speaker and will be sharing the imposition of ashes. This is a free event, although we do welcome donations of individually wrapped Easter candy (no gum please) for the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home.
Questions?
Contact Karen Staton kstaton6@yahoo.com or call the church office at 317-773-2500.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Mark the beginning of the Lenten journey toward Easter with Ash Wednesday Worship at 7PM in the sanctuary (Door 1). Come for music, prayer, a meditation by Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross, and the imposition of ashes.