What is Lent

Early Christians observed “a season of penitence and fasting” in preparation for the Paschal feast, or Pascha (BCP, pp. 264-265). The season now known as Lent (from an Old English word meaning “spring,” the time of lengthening days) has a long history. Originally, in places where Pascha was celebrated on a Sunday, the Paschal feast followed a fast of up to two days. In the third century this fast was lengthened to six days. Eventually this fast became attached to, or overlapped, another fast of forty days, in imitation of Christ’s fasting in the wilderness. The forty-day fast was especially important for converts to the faith who were preparing for baptism, and for those guilty of notorious sins who were being restored to the Christian assembly. In the western church the forty days of Lent extend from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, omitting Sundays. The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Today Lent has reacquired its significance as the final preparation of adult candidates for baptism. Joining with them, all Christians are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word” (BCP, p. 265).

2024 Hygiene Kit Program

Pasadena Union Station Homeless Servies’ Hygiene Kit Program helps provide the homeless with a “Hygiene Kit” of necessary items.  YOU CAN HELP.  You can fill your Lenten Mite Box with at least $40 to donate to the program and we will build a Hygiene Kit to donate for you or take a moment and collect this listed items.  Bring them to Grace on or before Easter Sunday, March 31^st and we will transfer your items into a special Hygiene Kit bag for donation to Pasadena Union Station.  Let’s work together to make a carload of Hygiene Kits. For more information, please contact Deb Pullen.  Click Here for Lenten Kit Flyer

Holy Week ~ Volunteers sought

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 24 and continues throughout the week with special services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Many hands will help to make for beautiful and meaningful services.

• Palm Friday work party ~ Friday, March 22, beginning at 4:00 PM. On this evening we will do some cleaning, set the palm branches in the church, make palm crosses, and stuff Easter eggs. Come whenever you can.
• Palm Sunday Passion Narratives and Good Friday Passion Narratives. We are seeking volunteers who would like to take a part in the dramatic readings on Palm Sunday at 10:00 AM and Good Friday at 7:30 PM. If you would like a part, please speak to Janet Kawamoto
• Palm Sunday Work Party – After the 10 A.M. service, to take down all the Palm leaves and decorations.
• Maundy Thursday planning and serving team. On Maundy Thursday, our service will begin in Baxter Hall with a simple soup supper meal. We will read scripture, explore the meaning of the Sedar meal in which Jesus gave us the gift of Holy Communion, and receive communion at our dinner tables before exiting the hall and going into the church to strip the altar. If you would like to serve on the planning team, please see Rev. Susan. Volunteers are also sought to make soup.
• Easter Eggs and Candy – We no longer need plastic eggs, just candy and stuffings to have a terrific Easter Egg hunt. Supplies are needed by Friday, March 22.
• Easter Bunny Helpers sought to help with the Easter Egg Hunt. You need to be available at 9:00 AM on Easter Sunday, March 25th.
• Easter Sunday Services – Hosted on Sunday, March 31st at Grace Church at 8 A.M. and family service with full music at 10 A.M.  Please join us in our Glendora, Ca Church for a wonderful morning celebration!