Lenten Prep Family Service in Langley

Families gathered at St Andrew’s Langley on February 11, 2023 to prepare for Ash Wednesday and Lent. The children watched how the palm crosses ignited into flames, processed into church, lit candles, did fun activities and celebrated a picnic Eucharist (which is a popular component of the Family Eucharist). Through embodied prayer they learn to confess their feelings of anger, sadness, excitement, and happiness, to gather them up in a ball and throw them up to God and to not hurt others by them and give thanks to God. Lots of playing kids and visiting parents with pizza followed. This is a monthly service offered at St. Andrew’s on Saturday afternoon 4:30-6:30 pm when families enjoy taking their kids to linger in Christian experience and formation.  

IMAGES

• Burning last year’s Palm Sunday crosses to prepare for this year’s Ash Wednesday. Intense fire, ignites things into flame like God’s love warms and awakens our hearts. How does this happen? It’s a beautiful surprise of mystery and grace. I wonder what attitudes, feelings, ideas, and behaviours in your life you might want to throw in the fire and burn up with God’s help.
• Collecting last years palm crosses by Rev. David Taylor
• Receiving the imposition of ashes from the Rev Andrew Halladay.
• Receiving the imposition of ashes from the Rev Andrew Halladay
• Receiving the imposition of ashes on the wrist from the Rev. Andrew Halladay.  
• The children prepare to process.
• Lighting the candles for the procession
• Lighting candles to name God is our Light.
• And we are God’s light
• Mardi Gras mask making.
• In Lent we put away our usual activities and become more exposed and vulnerable. Feel the difference between holding the mask on your face and letting it go. I wonder what you might be hiding behind that you need to move out of the way with God’s help so you can shine your beautiful soul in the world.
• Colour and create Alleluia’s and put them in the box till Easter.  Alleluia is a special word that we use through the year. It means “give praise to God!” In Lent, we put Alleluia‘s away, so we can especially remember them at Easter and give thanks and praise to glorify God. I wonder what precious or fun things you want or need to put away to make room for more time and energy to love, pray, and give to others.
• A much younger colourer
• Drawing with charcoal - burnt wood. Beautiful things are made out of the ashes or losses of our lives. I wonder what mess in your life you and God could turn into something beautiful.
• Loving the light
• The Plaza view of the burning
• Community fun and connecting is always an important part of gathering as God’s children! The Masked Running Back