Lent kicks off on February 18 and we invite you to participate with St. Paul’s!
Lent, a 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and repentance, prepares us for the Holy Week. Below are the details of the Holy Week events.
Ash Wednesday (February 18)
6:30 am in the Historic Church Building
Noon in Historic Church Building
6:30 pm in Doar Hall
Lenten Teaching Series (February 24 – March 31)
The Lenten Teaching Series will be held at 6 pm in the Atrium. Lenten soup suppers will be served. The teachings will be on “The I Am Statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John.”
Please reach out to Father Fred for more information at: fredo@stpaulssummerville.org
Donations for Peru
For just $9.50, you can change the life of a school-aged child in Peru by covering the full cost of their school supplies for an entire year. From February 22 through March 8, we are partnering with the Anglican Diocese of Peru to support grade-school students whose families must provide all required supplies on their own.
Our goal is to equip 350 children with the tools they need to learn and thrive. You can participate by picking up a Glory Jar at the back of the worship space or by donating online here: https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=c297cc49-bdcf-44b1-bc4d-28760f097dab
All gifts are needed by March 8—your generosity will make a lasting impact.
Holy Week Calendar
Palm Sunday – March 29
Egg Hunt – March 29
Maundy Thursday – April 2
Good Friday – April 3
Holy Saturday – April 4
Easter Sunday – April 5
Lenten Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Lent?
Like the holy seasons of Advent and Epiphany, Lent is a time to reflect on what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Specifically, Lent is a season devoted to reflecting on the Lord’s passion and resurrection. Our prayer book outlines five ways we practically observe the season of Lent: “By self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.” (ACNA Book of Common Prayer, p. 544)
We need these seasons in our lives. Lent is a season of penitence and fasting—not a time of shame, but a time to become aware that sin separates us from God. It is a season in which we come to know and feel the depth of what it costs God to be reunited with us.
Why do we start Lent wearing ashes?
Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Lent each year. We begin the season by wearing ashes because they signify two important truths: Our mortality and the reality that the consequence of sin is death.
As clergy impose ashes on our heads, we are reminded of the words: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes are placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross, which is intentional. While sin leads to death, the cross of Christ leads to eternal life.
Why do we practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent?
These practices are often called the Lenten disciplines. Just as being a disciple requires discipline, these practices help draw us closer to God.
Are there dangers or pitfalls to be aware of when celebrating Lent?
Lent should not be confused with New Year’s resolutions. It is not about fasting merely to lose weight, quitting habits for self-improvement, or giving to charity for personal satisfaction. Lent is an opportunity to fast and contemplate what our Lord did for us on the cross. This season is not centered on the self; our focus is directed toward something far more beautiful and glorious—Jesus Christ.
How long is Lent?
Lent lasts 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. You may notice that the calendar seems to show 46 days instead of 40. Sundays are not counted as part of Lent because they are always considered resurrection days. The number forty is significant in Holy Scripture and often represents a season of testing, purification, preparation, or judgment: The flood lasted 40 days and nights; The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years; Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days