Area ministers would rather see you give up sin this Lenten season than your favorite vices. Abstaining from something is a way many Christians mark the Lenten season, which begins with Ash Wednesday this week. According to a 2017 Lifeway Research poll, 57 percent of Christians will fast from a favorite food or beverage, while 35 percent will take a break from a bad habit and 23 percent from a favorite activity. Compare that to the 39 percent that say they will pray more or the 38 percent that say they will give to others. In the Lutheran tradition, Pastor Joel McKenney says Lent is about repentance, not just giving something up.
Local churches will mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday services throughout the day. Area Lutheran churches will continue their tradition of having pastors travel to meet each others’ congregations to give special sermons on Wednesdays during Lent. The 40-day season ends on Easter Sunday, which this year will take place on March 31st.
