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Written by Gwyn Beer Co-president, Canada West Mission Centre  This is the first week of Lent. I had pancakes this morning to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians who "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with.” Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins). A bell would be rung to call people to confession. This came to be called the “Pancake Bell” and is still rung today. Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients. What are you giving up for Lent? As Shannon explained last week, she does not use the snooze button on her alarm clock. She uses that time in meditation. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which is March 2, 2022. Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of this 40-day period of abstinence. Click here to read "Blessing the Dust for Ash Wednesday" by Jan Richardson. Though not every person observes Ash Wednesday in the same way, Ash Wednesday is the time when you may finally decide on what you want to give up for Lent, or perhaps it's an opportunity to spend a quiet moment on some Easter prayers. Maybe it is not GIVING something up but ADDING a new practice. With the world climate issues, pending war in Russia and Ukraine, continuing health concerns and the opportunity to “get back to the old way of life”, you can add something for 40 days. There are two ways that you can join other Community of Christ friends and members on a Lent journey this year:
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