Traditionally Lent was a penitential time, and many (particularly in the Catholic church) “gave up” something for Lent. Now that might mean forgoing smoking or chocolate, but at one time it regularly involved abstention from meat, dairy, eggs, and sugar, and any food made with those substances.
Lent lasts for 40 days, so in the era before refrigeration any meat, dairy, or eggs left in the larder at the beginning of Lent wouldn’t still have been edible at Easter. This must have been unacceptable to frugal housewives. Over time, people got into the habit of using up those leftover perishables on the night before the start of Lent—and making pancakes, which contain eggs, milk, and sugar and go well with a side of bacon or sausage, was a great way to do that.
Some cultures eventually took the idea farther, throwing elaborate parties or staging parades and celebrations as if to use up Lenten-inappropriate high spirits in addition to rich foods.
According to Merriam Webster, “Shrove” is derived from the Middle English “schrof,” meaning “shriven,” and “to shrive” means “to administer the sacrament of reconciliation to” or “to free from guilt.” Does that mean that eating pancakes at our Shrove Tuesday Fellowship Supper will free you from guilt? Well, no—but we do expect to have good food and a good time!
SHROVE TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP DINNER
Tuesday, March 4, 5:00 pm in Swain Hall
Pancake and sausage supper
Bingo and card games to follow—Rev. Davis, M.C.
Call the church office or sign up in Swain Hall to RSVP or volunteer to help! If you need a ride to the dinner, call Craig McCoy at the A.S.K. Service hotline, 623.680.3443.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Wednesday, March 5, 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
Joint service with Faith Presbyterian and Church of the Palms—First Presbyterian hosting. See page 2 for information on shared Holy Week services.
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