Shrove Tuesday + Ash Wednesday

We will offer two service times for Ash Wednesday, noon and 7pm. Each service we will celebrate communion and have the imposition of ashes.

Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras…

Which is it? Well, the short answer is… it’s all of the above! It’s probably got many other nicknames as well! It’s the big hurrah before a season of prayer, penance and fasting during the weeks that lead to Easter, known as Lent.
Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately before Ash Wednesday and is observed in many Christian countries. We often burn the palms of last year’s Palm Sunday and is symbolic of one’s Lenten sacrifice. We also use those ashes in Ash Wednesday services.
A long standing tradition at Saint James’ is our Mardi Gras party and Shrove Tuesday pancake supper! While we pray this is our last Shrove Tuesday apart, we do hope you find some ways to be festive at home.

Why the pancakes and the party?  Traditionally, pancakes are made as a way to use up all the butter, eggs, milk and fat in preparation for the fasting that happens during Lent. And, having a party is just a fun way to celebrate! What’s better than pancakes for dinner…? Pancakes for dinner with friends of course!
While we are not hosting our treasured Mardi Gras celebration at church this year, we pray this is our last Shrove Tuesday spent apart and hope you will join us in the same spirited celebration at home. So – get out that pancake mix and share a stack with family and friends.
You could also make a King Cake at home, or order one from a local bakery – Red Truck Bakery and Great Harvest both have a version of this New Orleans favorite. Here’s a trusted recipe from King Aurthur Flour that’s tried & true as well;

King Cake Recipe

Finally, during the season of Lent we leave out the word Alleluia from all liturgies only to re-emerge at Easter when the resurrection is proclaimed. Per tradition at Saint James’, we ‘bury’ our alleluias as a symbolic gesture that reminds us of the solemnity of the Lenten season that is upon us.
Bury your Alleluias at home – write the word Alleluia on a strip of paper and bury the strip of paper in the backyard. Once Easter morning arrives, it will be oh so sweet to finally rejoice together in saying ALLELUIA!
Table Talk Topics for Shrove TuesdayDo you remember a time when you went to a Shrove Tuesday meal or attended our Mardi Gras party at Saint James’? Recall memories about that time.Is there something you will give up or add in during Lent? Explain.To repent is to have a new and changed mind to trust God, How will Lent help you focus on God?

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