Pastoral Letters
Lakeview United Church
Seeking Spiritual Renewal and Growth in a Caring, Affirming Community...
February/March 2026
SOME NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS (or, how I see it)
Hello once again as the monthly ‘News from the Pews’ comes your way. This edition takes us well into the latter parts of February and going deeper into the month of March…and yes…spring does happen on March the 20th (and in Alberta, as we know, any sort of weather could always come our way). My focus with this message pertains to the upcoming season of Lent and the Passion Week, which begins on March the 29th. These periods are central to Christianity and are observed across the world in many and various different and sometimes curious ways to some.
Lent – This has often been referred to as the season of spring and the lengthening of days. It falls 40 days before Easter Sunday and not counting the Sunday’s in-between. It’s also been classified in the French language as lente which means “to move slowly”. Lent is a time for introspection, repentance, and opening ourselves to the Spirit’s call. The colour of this season is purple. (February 18 – March 28)
Shrove Tuesday – This day marks the end of the pre-Lenten season and is called Shrovetide. It is the last night of eating richer or fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent. It’s also the day of the Mardi Gras. We celebrate it here with what is now known as a Pancake supper. (February 17)
Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the Lent-Easter cycle and the burnt ashes from the previous year’s palms are inscribed on one’s forehead or wrist with the sign of the cross or a special blessing. This is considered a sign of atonement, sorrow or possibly mourning. (February 18)
Holy Week – This week begins with Palm Sunday as Jesus enters Jerusalem and ends with Easter Sunday when the resurrection happens. Palms where strewn down in front of Jesus as he rode into the city, presumably on a donkey or a colt. The colours of this week are beginning with red, moving to black, and Easter Sundays’ white.
Palm Sunday (March 29)
Holy Week (March 29 – April 5)
The Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, the last three days of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday is usually the Last Supper. Good Friday is the walk of the cross and the4 crucifixion and Holy Saturday is spent in prayer.
Easter Sunday – The resurrection of the crucified Jesus.
This is just a quick overview of what to expect in the coming months or so in many of the communities of faith in this neighbourhood and beyond. I would encourage you to be a part of one or many of these special dates and in the next Lakeview New & Views, a more detailed program will be coming your way for the happenings of Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
Blessings of love and peace to all of you….The Rev. Jope Langejans