LENT at the URC: Giving something to (rather than giving something up)
You are invited to Lunch: Easter Saturday 11th April 12th noon
You've heard the familiar phrase "giving something up for Lent" – it originates with the solemn Christian observance of fasting and the giving up of luxuries in order to replicate, remind ourselves by entering into the spirit of, Jesus's time spent in the desert at the beginning of his public ministry. The Gospels record this period in the desert as 40 days – hence Lent (and any giving up we might do) lasts for 40 days (weekends don't count!). This year the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday) falls on 26th February ending approximately six weeks later, Holy Saturday (11th April), the day before Easter Sunday.
Lent is a season of preparation: preparation for Christ's death and resurrection – preparation through prayer; repentance (or sorrow for) of sins (unhelpful acts or inaction); penance (putting right or making amends for a wrong); almsgiving (charitable giving to those in need); the denial of ego (self-denial; usually denying oneself the pleasures of life but also a recognition of others needs as more important than our own).
Our giving up at the URC during Lent this year involves giving to and we invite you to join with us.
Throughout the period of Lent, we encourage you to join us by putting something aside (in-date, non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries, household items, sanitary products, baby supplies or money) either on a daily, weekly or as you can basis to give to our local foodbank.
-This might be as an act of penance, putting right a wrong, or addressing an injustice:
-It might be as part of your alms or charitable giving:
-It could be part of your self-denial, putting others needs before your own or going without in order that someone else might have:
-It might simply be your act of kindness or compassion.
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