Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7b
“Shrove Tuesday serves as a reminder we are about to enter the season of Lent and prepares all Christians for a time of reflection and spiritual renewal. It is traditional to reflect on what type of fasting one may do during Lent.
The Shrove Tuesday Milestone Moment incorporates a simple structure that includes naming, equipping, blessing, gifting, and reinforcing so that the Milestone Moment has a greater chance to take deeper root in lifelong faith formation. Moments that allow opportunities for family and friends to gather in the home are special and an important step along our faith journey.
Naming – It is important to recognize Christian traditions as we begin the season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday marks the end of Epiphany and a time to reflect on what forgiveness means to us as we feast together.
Equipping – Providing an intentional opportunity to engage in caring conversations and prayer on Shrove Tuesday in your own home by serving a pancake dinner with lots of toppings, whipped cream, and syrup for family and friends is an excellent way to introduce others to this Christian tradition. This Milestone Moment provides an outline to use when you gather.
Blessing – Offering a prayer provides a blessing and reminds all involved of the importance of forgiveness as we honor the beginning of Lent.
Gifting – Providing an appropriate gift such as a pancake whisk, apron, or photo of the dinner and those gathered is a reminder of this time together. Milestones Ministry also suggests a gifting stone designed for Lent that can be carried in pockets and purses during Lent.
Reinforcing – One way to follow up after spending this Milestone Moment together is to gather again during Holy Week for a light meal and talk about something that was done during Lent to observe this season.”
David Anderson and Debbie Streicher serve as co-directors of Milestones Ministry. They produced this PDF entitled “Shrove Tuesday Milestone Moment” which is helpful for observing this day in community with others for deepening Christian faith.
Pause with me and consider this outline for making your Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) a day of reflection and preparation. Discuss it with at least one other person. Bless them. Give them a gift, and then plan to reconnect in Holy Week.
When you do this you multiply the impact of Lent. You grow in prayer, fasting, and good works together. Observe Lent this year. Invite at least one person to make the journey with you. Download your free Lent Companion here. See what happens.