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The Christian year centers on the major events of salvation history, celebrating Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Lent (which officially begins on Sunday, March 10) refers to the forty days leading up to Easter. As a period of preparation, Lent has historically included the instruction of persons for baptism and profession of faith on Easter Sunday; the calling back of those who have become estranged from the church; and efforts by all Christians to deepen their piety, devotion, and readiness to mark the death and resurrection of their Savior. As such, the primary focus of the season is to explore and deepen a “baptismal spirituality” that centers on our union with Christ rather than to function only as an extended meditation on Christ’s suffering and death. 
 
The Lenten season is set aside for self-examination, spiritual renewal, and growth. In many churches, it is seen as a time for fasting and abstinence, for alms-giving and acts of mercy, for repentance and prayer [information taken from Calvin Institute For Worship web site].
 
This year we encourage members of Nelson Ave to consider the following practices during this important season of worship and reflection:
  1. Daily: give something up (chocolate, sweets, social media?!?, movies, etc.): a "little suffering" to help us remember the sufferings of Jesus.
  2. 5 Times Per Week: Read a portion of The Gospel of Luke, especially starting at chapter 9 [please see bulletin, Nelson Ave web site and weekly Enews for readings and devotionals based on the readings].
  3. Once A Week: a "random act of kindness" [a kind action to someone at school, in your neighbourhood, in your family, etc.]