As we enter February, we find our days getting a bit longer as we move closer to the start of spring. We also will be entering the season of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent is the period of 40 days leading up to Easter but does not include the Sundays. This begins with Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 18.
The 40 days is representative of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness after his baptism, where we are told he fasted for those 40 days and then was tempted. In the early church, the period was often used in preparation for baptism of new converts, who would then be baptized on Easter morning, symbolic of Christ’s rising on Easter. But during those 40 days, the new converts would spend time in prayer and contemplation, fasting and preparing themselves before entering the waters.
These days, not all Christians pay much attention to the season of Lent, focusing more on Holy Week and Easter. For the millions who do practice Lent, there is no one practice that all follow. Lent is still a time for self-reflection and prayer as people prepare for Easter. For many, “fasting” takes on a different form, often by giving up something for the period, such as chocolate, sweets or alcohol. Others might take on a practice for the period, such as volunteering, setting aside a specific amount of money daily to give to a cause or filling a box weekly with food to donate to a local pantry. These practices can take many forms, and these are but a few ways people have practiced a new way of “fasting.”
In addition, many churches have special services during Lent. Many will have an evening service on Ash Wednesday. Second Baptist will have a service at 7:00 p.m. on February 18 in our sanctuary, and anyone is welcome to join us. There are also special services during the last week of Lent, known as Holy Week. If you are interested in learning more reach out to one of the churches in town.- Rev. James Leavitt is our Interim Pastor.
Community Hymn Sing and Potluck on Saturday, February 28, at 6:00 p.m.
The evening will include a shared potluck meal followed by singing of well-loved hymns. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Second Baptist Church of Suffield. (860-668-1661 or office@secondbaptistsuffield.org)
Regular scheduled outreach opportunities include:
- Monday, February 9 – Fellowship Time – 6:30 p.m. – This monthly outreach program is for our friends with cognitive limitations to give them a safe environment for crafts, singing, and fellowship.
- Saturday, February 14 – Soup Kitchen Ministry – Help serve a meal on the 2nd Saturday of the month for anyone in need at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at South Congregational Church in Springfield, Mass.
- Tuesday, February 24 – American Red Cross Blood Drive – Noon-5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Additional information for all service and program opportunities at the church are available on secondbaptistsuffield.org as well as our Facebook and Instagram sites.