The Season of Lent

STARTING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

The Christian Church has historically set aside a season of 40 days called Lent as a time to humble ourselves with prayer and fasting before God.  To learn more about Lent and fasting, see Pastor Chad’s message on the topic from 2024. Examples of ways you can fast:

Partial Food Fast
You go without a certain type of food (No sweets, no meats, no caffeine, no chocolate, etc.) for the established 40 days. Saying no to unnecessary foods helps us learn to abstain from other things that clog our relationship with God.

A Full or Partial Media Fast
You go without a TV program, types of social media, etc. for the established 40 days.  This can be totally or partially (i.e. emails yes, but surfing the web no).  Not only is this a great way to get away from the “clutter” of media distractions, but it also helps clear our minds, emotions and hearts before God.

Remember, it’s “Prayer AND Fasting” (not just fasting)
The Bible teaches us to “pray and fast”. It is important to substitute what we fast with prayer.  Through fasting, we focus more on God in the absence of what we are giving up. (i.e., Instead of Facebook you spend time in His book).

Use Good Judgment
Fasting is considered beneficial, but in some cases (i.e. people on medications) fasting could be unsafe.  If in doubt, please get the advice of your doctor.

Families Fasting Together
We want to encourage you to consider fasting together as a couple or as a family. Did you know that children and students can fast too? Fasting is a great opportunity to remind each other that giving up or letting go of something can be difficult, but it can lead us to spiritual growth. Here are some suggestions:

Fasting as a Couple or as a Family

• Decide together. Have a conversation. Buy in from everyone is essential. Do you want to fast the same things as a family or each fast different things?
  1. Pray about what you should fast.
  2. Ask the questions together:
• Why do this fast? How will it help us spiritually?
• Should we fast a short period of time every day or a long period once a week? What will we do instead?
• Are there activities that should be excluded? (Tech fast: emergency calls; birthday celebrations)
• What will we do if someone breaks the fast? How should we gently remind them?
  1. Start the fast together.
• Have a planned starter event (i.e., A special meal)
• Start your Lent season with a prayer together.
  1. End the fast together with celebration.
• Plan what you will do when the fast is over. How should you celebrate?

Remember, there is a difference between enforcing “house rules” and fasting. Spiritual practices should be voluntary as we inspire each other to focus on God in the absence of other things.

When Does Lent End?
Traditionally, Sundays are not included in Lent since all Sundays are a day of celebrating the Resurrection. Officially, Lent ends the Saturday before Easter Sunday.

Looking Ahead
Three important dates to circle in your calendar as we approach Easter:

• From March 31 to April 6 we are having the Week of Prayer. We are not starting any new classes or hosting groups this week. Each evening we will have the church open for prayer gatherings and will finish in our Sunday, April 6 AM prayer services at 9 & 11 AM.
• Palm Sunday, April 13,  9 & 11 AM – Our Worship Academy students will be leading our worship service and presenting original songs as we begin Holy Week.
• Good Friday, April 18 at 2 PM we will have a communion service with creative elements in the afternoon.
• On Easter Sunday, April 20th we will have celebratory 9 and 11am services with a dance.