Shrove Tuesday
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17.
Historically, during the days before Ash Wednesday, Christians were expected to confess in preparation for the penitential season. Today, many Christians make a point of self-examination on Shrove Tuesday, focusing on sins from which we need to turn away and asking God for spiritual direction.
Shrove (past tense of shrive, Old English – to hear confession, assure of God’s forgiveness, and give appropriate spiritual guidance)
Because Shrove Tuesday was the last day before the fasting Lenten Season, it was necessary to use up perishable food items on this day which were not to be consumed during Lent, including milk, eggs, butter, sugar, and meat. This led to the tradition of Pancake Tuesday, a last feast before the beginning of the Lenten fast.
Feeling cooped up??
Why don’t you reach out to some folks and host a pancake supper on Tuesday, February 16th? This is a great excuse to have a simple meal and get to know more people in our church or in your neighborhood. We are not doing anything formal as a church, but I’d love to hear stories of mountains of Restoration pancakes being eaten around the DC area. Use our FB page to give a shout if you’re open to anybody dropping by or if you are looking for a place to drop in!
Jeff Walton
February 12, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
Shrove Tuesday was always a special church day growing up. Not only was it a fun opportunity to get together and share a meal as a church, it was also a solid “teachable moment” for the children.
The Kairos ministry at the Falls Church has a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper on the 16th, and we invite everyone to join us: 7 p.m. in TFC’s fellowship hall.