February 2nd has many names.  In popular culture, we refer to it as Ground Hog's Day.  In the church, it has been known as Candlemas, the Festival of the Purification of Mary, and as the Presentation of Lord.  According to St. Luke's gospel, the infant Jesus was carried by Mary and Joseph to the Temple in Jerusalem on the 40th day since Jesus' birth, which is February 2nd.   It was during this visit that the old prophet Simeon, who had been assured that he was to see the Messiah before his death, saw the  couple and their infant son Jesus walking across the Temple. Having seen the infant Messiah, Simeon took the child into his arms and announced, "Now, oh God, I can leave this world in peace--for I have seen my salvation."  He then continued his prophecy with the word that Jesus would be the light for all the world. 

A new Women's Bible study will begin on Tuesday, February 21st for 8 weeks from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  More details to follow but if you are interested please contact the church office at 612 377-5095 or [email protected] .  

In the days before Ash Wednesday people traditionally celebrate by enjoying special foods and customs. The word Carnival which means "farewell to meat" and Mardi Gras or "Greasy Tuesday" offer a hint at the foods that were once forbidden by the church during the penitential season of Lent. In the English tradition, people were encouraged to use the fat and eggs to make pancakes before Ash Wednesday. In Central Europe, people eat jelly filled doughnuts, and in Scandinavia families eat Lenten buns. Often these are made with fresh cardamom and filled with whipped cream and marzipan.

In Denmark there is a special children's party tied to the Sunday before Lent known as Fastelavn Sunday. Of course, everyone eats the special Lenten buns,

but the children also try to break open a wooden barrel filled with chocolates and sweets. They arrive at the party dressed in costumes, so nobody knows who is hitting the wooden barrel with a wooden stick. But the one who wins, is presented with a crown. In the middle ages, black cats were associated with the devil, so a cat was placed inside the barrel. After being attacked from all sides, the cat escaped from the barrel and was never seen again taking all the evil with it. (Fortunately, Danes don't have a cat in the barrel anymore, but it is always painted on the side.)

The season of Lent is considered a "moveable period" in the church year.  It is a preparatory season for the festival of Easter, and since Easter is determined the lunar calendar and not a calendar date, the entire Lent and Easter season shifts from one year to another.  This year the first day of Lent known as Ash Wednesday begins on Wednesday, March 1st.   Historically, churches have chosen to mark the 40 days and Sundays of Lent as a penitential period focusing on the agony of Jesus' death on the cross and spiritual growth.  The number 40 was both symbolic of Jesus 40 days in the wilderness, and it was intended to represent a tenth of the year. Men and women, thus, dedicated a tenth of the year to sacrificing, learning and growing in faith.  The English word "Lent" actually comes from the old English phrase to "lengthen."   This implies both the light and days in spring growing greater, but also that Christians grow greater in faith.

Priscilla Circle will meet on Saturday, February 4th at 9:30 a.m. in the Christy Room at the church.  Join us for a time of casual fellowship and camaraderie.