Shrove Tuesday – February 25, 2020 –Revelation 19:1-8
Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee,
Grant us, blessèd Trinity,
At the last to keep Thine Easter
With Thy faithful saints on high;
There to Thee forever singing
Alleluia joyfully. [1]
Today marks the 182nd Anniversary of the signing of Friedheim’s charter. Through the years, the Lord has richly blessed us. Shrove Tuesday is the day before we begin the solemn season of Lent.
Church anniversaries are a cause for much celebration. Truly, the Lord has blessed our congregation tremendously all these years. Today we remember the Lord has placed us here to be a House of Peace, a Haven of Hope for those who suffer and a Harbor of Light in this sin-darkened world. As followers of Jesus, we are Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself to be salt and light. May we continue to be one in the Lord Jesus Christ - Experiencing true joy in Christ - Living at peace with each other and enjoying one another. May we continue to upholding one another in prayer; taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.
The word “shrove” is a form of the English word “shrive,” which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of Confession. Thus, Shrove Tuesday was named after the custom of Christians to be "shriven" before the start of Lent. Daily we come to our Lord in repentance and faith, confessing our sin and relying on the Savior’s promise to renew, restore and forgive.
It has been a tradition at our school to serve pretzels on the before Ash Wednesday. Starchy food is often eliminated for one's diet during Lent. But the pretzel by its shape reminds us of the cross of Christ and the arms of Jesus wrapped around us by His love.
God of infinite mercy, grant that we who know Your compassion may rejoice in Your forgiveness and gladly forgive others for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior who is alive with You and the Holy Spirit,one God now and forever. [2]
Almighty God, You have promised to be with Your Church forever. We praise You for Your presence in this place of worship and ask Your ongoing blessing upon those who gather here. Dwell continually among us with Your holy Word and Sacraments, strengthen our fellowship in the bonds of love and peace, and increase our faithful witness to Your salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [3]
1 Alleluia, songs of gladness, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
2 Collect for Shrove Tuesday Web http://liturgy.co.nz/shrove-tuesday
3 Collect for Anniversary of a congregation Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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