Depending on your church background you may have little experience of Lent. If you go to an Anglican church, for example, it may surprise you to know that in some other denominations no reference will be made to Lent at all. I grew up going to church twice on a Sunday, and although I remember Pancake Day, I doubt there was ever any reference to Lent.
So just in case you need some background here is a quick summary.
Lent is the time in the church calendar that runs from Ash Wednesday through to Easter. Traditionally Lent is the period of preparation in the run up to the events of Easter - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. A time of reflection and repentance - which in certain church traditions is often accompanied by fasting.
Lent lasts for 40 days but if you've looked at a calendar you will have noticed that there are actually 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. That's because the six Sundays during this time do not count as days of fasting - Sundays are always a day of celebration as we remember the resurrection.
Many people, even those with little or no church contact, will give something up for Lent - often this will be chocolate, although in recent years we have been encouraged to be a little bit more imaginative, giving up things like Facebook or television. Within some cultures it is common to go without fish for Lent. Other cultures with have different traditions. This 'doing without' builds on the fasting element that is traditionally a part of Lent.
Another trend over recent years has been to see Lent as a time to do something positive instead of/as well as giving something up. As we look ahead to God's love and generosity displayed in the Easter story it motivates us to be loving and generous.
The 40Acts campaign has been running for a number of years now and encourages those who sign up to complete 40 acts of generosity over the 40 days of Lent. To make a difference in our communities by performing little acts of kindness that can make a real difference in people's lives.
If you want to know more or you want to sign up click here to visit the 40Acts website.
