Lent: March 6th though April 20th 2019
What is Lent: Lent is the annual period of Christian observance that precedes Easter. The dates of Lent are defined by the date of Easter, which is a moveable feast, meaning that it falls on a different date each year. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and its observance (although not its liturgical period, as Sundays are not fast days and are therefore not counted – see below) lasts for 40 days, mirroring the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before starting his ministry. It can also be seen to mirror the 40 hours that Jesus spent in the tomb prior to his resurrection.
Lent is a penitential period, involving the dual disciplines of abstinence and fasting. During Lent many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain foods, habits or luxuries - for example meat, cakes and sweets, alcohol, smoking - for its duration (the money saved is often then donated to charity). This is done both as a form of penitence and as a spiritual tool to tame the body and 'sharpen the spirit' for prayer, reflection and contemplation in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Our Ministry and Outreach
Here at First Lutheran we are a loving family of believers in Jesus Christ. That love of Christ has helped us with the development of our new ministry. "Your Not Alone" is a ministry to those who have lost a loved one. The name says it all, we desire to help those who have lost a loved one; find comfort in the fact that they are not alone. Jesus will never leave them and though his love and peace, they can come to terms with their loss. Reaching out and lending a ear, giving words of comfort and extending a heart full of love; is our mission. Let us love one another as Christ loves us.
What is Lent: Lent is the annual period of Christian observance that precedes Easter. The dates of Lent are defined by the date of Easter, which is a moveable feast, meaning that it falls on a different date each year. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and its observance (although not its liturgical period, as Sundays are not fast days and are therefore not counted – see below) lasts for 40 days, mirroring the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before starting his ministry. It can also be seen to mirror the 40 hours that Jesus spent in the tomb prior to his resurrection.
Lent is a penitential period, involving the dual disciplines of abstinence and fasting. During Lent many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain foods, habits or luxuries - for example meat, cakes and sweets, alcohol, smoking - for its duration (the money saved is often then donated to charity). This is done both as a form of penitence and as a spiritual tool to tame the body and 'sharpen the spirit' for prayer, reflection and contemplation in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Our Ministry and Outreach
Here at First Lutheran we are a loving family of believers in Jesus Christ. That love of Christ has helped us with the development of our new ministry. "Your Not Alone" is a ministry to those who have lost a loved one. The name says it all, we desire to help those who have lost a loved one; find comfort in the fact that they are not alone. Jesus will never leave them and though his love and peace, they can come to terms with their loss. Reaching out and lending a ear, giving words of comfort and extending a heart full of love; is our mission. Let us love one another as Christ loves us.
