We are introducing a new tradition as we prepare for Lent. Our worship service on Sunday 2/19/23 will be in the theme of Mardi Gras. While generally taking place on Tuesdays (ergo, the Mardi), worship is on Sunday, so this old religious tradition of feast before fast will meet us in worship that last Sunday morning before Lent. You are absolutely invited to don your most garish apparel, bring your beads and masks and boas, and be ready for the Spirit to take you in new directions. Globally, Mardi Gras celebrations take place right before Lent in many places, but in this country this first thing that comes to mind is New Orleans. What does that mean in worship? Well — using words Jesus spoke to the disciples — come and see. For those who have not been in the church building for worship in some time, this is the Sunday to make a point of being here.
Worship will close with a tradition more linked to the Episcopal church called Burying the Alleluia. What this means is that the word Alleluia disappears from our lips (and our hymns, prayers, anthems, etc) for Lent until we may speak it again the day of Resurrection. How will we do that? Well again, come and see.
After worship that day, we will put the FEAST in feast before fast, with a wonderful shared New Orleans-ish potluck meal together in the Founder’s Room. Pat Burke has generously offered to coordinate this, and others have also stepped up with food items and other help. What are we having? Once more, come and see. 🙂 But this I can tell you, there will be lots. So bring yourself, bring friends, and let us share in this glorious time together as we prepare for the season of Lent.
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