Ponderings from the Parish Associate - March 2026

Lent is the 40-day period from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday. This is intended to

prepare us for the celebration of Easter. We are reminded of Jesus’ period in the wilderness. Though we often associate Lent simply as a time of giving up some pleasure, it is meant to encompass three themes: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As we experience these themes, we do this in the context of community. Our prayers remind us of the needs and struggles of others. Likewise, fasting reminds us of sacrifice that others have made for our betterment as well as those whose daily meals are an economic challenge.

Almsgiving is thought to be just donating, food, money, clothing or other goods to the poor and homeless. However, it is not just an act of philanthropy, it is meant as a spiritual practice to detach us from focusing on material items and bring justice to those that have been abandoned by our systems.

This lent doesn’t just give up…think of how we can give out to the community

~Rev. Dr. Fred Leasure, Parish Associate