March, 2025

FEAST, THEN FAST

There are traditions in the church which may seem a little strange, such as two significant days which despite being side by side in the Christian calendar, could not be any more opposite in their message. The days are Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. At Olive Branch, we know all about Shrove Tuesday! It’s the day when we come to church and consume massive amounts of bacon and pancakes and then play Bingo for prizes. We know about Ash Wednesday: it’s the day we come to church and have ashes marked on our foreheads and then decide what to give up for Lent.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, one a day to feast, the other a day to start fasting. In the tradition of the church, Tuesday was originally about confessing one’s sins before the start of Lent. But it eventually became the last day to party before the serious season of Lent began. Think of all the celebration that goes with the Mardi Gras in New Orleans! In the Middle Ages Lent meant fasting from “luxuries” like meat, eggs, sugar, and butter. The best way to use up these items and get them out of the house for Lent? Pancakes.

On Ash Wednesday we worship with a service of repentance, as we confess our need to return to the Lord. As part of the service, we come forward to receive a cross of ash on our foreheads, with these words said: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” We are reminded of our mortality, and our dependence upon the One who gives life and forgiveness.

So, there you have it, two days, one of feasting, one of fasting. Yet both are opportunities for you to join your church family and be in the good company of millions of Christian brothers and sisters across the world and over the centuries. Our Shrove Tuesday will be held in Branch Hall on March 4, with the Ash Wednesday service in our sanctuary the next day. Are you ready to feast... and fast?

Blessings ~ Pastor Richard
March, 2025