Lent is a time of religious observance that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later on Holy Thursday. It is a time to focus on simple living, prayer and fasting in order to grow closer to God. It can range from fasting to giving up foods you enjoy, like sweets or soda. Wesleyan offers an Ash Wednesday service every year for both students and faculty.
Senior Katie Newman led worship for the service. Newman said, “I honestly didn’t even know it was open to students until this year. My favorite part of the service was how the worship was for all different age groups. Because there were students, faculty, and parents who attended the service, we sung some traditional hymns as well as some more modern worship songs. It was super cool to see such a wide age-range come together on a Wednesday morning!”
Greg Lisson gave the devotion in the service. Lisson believes that Lent is an important religious experience. Lisson said, “Jim Elliot said something that is very fitting for Lent: ‘He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep in order to gain that which he cannot lose.'”
It’s important to remember that Lent is not just about giving up sweets or soda. It is a time to figure out how to become more Christ-like.