The season of Lent that precedes Easter lasts 40 days to represent the amount of time Jesus Christ spent in the desert, fasting and preparing for his ministry. Lent at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle, 51 Main Street nourishes the body and the soul, beginning with a family-friendly pancake supper on Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

The event marks “Shrove Tuesday” (also known as Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras), the feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday on Feb. 26. Lent was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved of their sins). Traditionally, pancakes were eaten on this day to use up rich, indulgent foods like eggs and milk before the fasting season of Lent began.

The pancake supper at Second Church includes pancakes (chocolate chip, blueberry or plain), sausage, fruit, juices, coffee and tea, and wraps up with a few pancake games before everyone heads home. Mardi Gras beads and masks complement the festivities. This is always a popular event.

As a way of beginning the Christian season of Lent (the 40 weekdays leading up to Easter Sunday), Ash Wednesday Service will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.

An ancient Christian custom, the imposition of ashes marks the beginning of the Lenten season and signifies a time of repentance and reflection as well as a reminder of our fragile mortality. This worship service will be a prayerful time with the opportunity for participants to receive ashes. All are welcome. For those unable to make the service, Pastor Char Corbett and the church Deacons will also offer the imposition of ashes in the Sanctuary from 7 to 9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. To request ashes be brought to your home, please contact the church office to make a request, 207-563-3379.