Lent - The Journey from Shrove Tuesday to Easter at Saint James Episcopal Church
As the season of Lent approaches, Saint James Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC invites you to join us for a meaningful journey of reflection, repentance, and renewal. For many Christians, this significant liturgical period provides an opportunity to deepen faith and prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter, beginning with our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and continuing through the Lenten season.
Whether you're familiar with Episcopal church traditions or brand new to them, we have several ways to engage with the Lenten season.
The Tradition of Shrove Tuesday - More Than Just Pancakes
Before the solemnity of Lent begins, we celebrate Shrove Tuesday 2025 with our annual Pancake Dinner. This beloved tradition has deep historical roots in Christian practice. Also known as "Pancake Day" in the United Kingdom, Shrove Tuesday originated as a time for confession and preparation for Lent. The name comes from "shriving" (referring to confessing sins and receiving absolution.)
Why pancakes? Historically, Christians would use up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent began. These ingredients combine to make pancakes, creating a practical and delicious pre-Lenten meal. Our Shrove Tuesday celebration continues this centuries-old custom with a buffet-style pancake supper with traditional toppings like syrup, butter, and bacon.
The event takes place in the Saint James Center Great Hall from 5-7 PM and we welcome families and individuals of all ages. It's a great way to hang out with our church community, share a meal, and mark the transition into a more reflective time.
Father Taylor explains that Shrove Tuesday is also known as "Fat Tuesday," when we enjoy and "get rid of the things you are going to try to avoid during Lent."
Ash Wednesday: Beginning the Lenten Journey
The day after our pancake celebration marks the official beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday services. This solemn Christian observance holds special significance in the Episcopal tradition as we recognize our mortality – that we are formed from dust, and to dust we shall return.
We have three church services on Ash Wednesday (7:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 7:00 PM), including the imposition of ashes. During these services, attendees can expect a reverent atmosphere, meaningful scripture readings, a sermon, prayer, confession, and Holy Communion.
The cross of ashes on the forehead is a visible reminder of our humanity and the call to repentance. The scripture readings for Ash Wednesday typically include:
Joel 2:12-18 ("Return to me with all your heart")
Psalm 51 ("Create in me a clean heart, O God")
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (Jesus' teaching on fasting and humility).
These passages help frame our understanding of this holy season and guide our spiritual reflections.
Deepening Your Lenten Experience
Following Ash Wednesday, the 40-day Lenten journey offers numerous opportunities for spiritual growth. While Saint James doesn't offer specific programs for those new to Lent at the Shrove Tuesday or Ash Wednesday events, we encourage all parishioners to consider personal ways to embrace this season:
Reflect on your spiritual life and relationship with God
Decide on a meaningful Lenten commitment
Develop a regular prayer and devotion routine
Focus on confession and repentance
Simplify your life and detach from worldly distractions
Engage in the three traditional Lenten practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
Our church services provide space for reflection and spiritual growth each Sunday during Lent. Our services follow The Book of Common Prayer, which brings rich tradition to our worship while remaining accessible to everyone.
If you're new to Episcopal services, don't worry—our detailed bulletins make it easy to follow along and participate fully in this meaningful experience.
Join Us This Lenten Season
Saint James Episcopal Church welcomes all who wish to explore or deepen their faith during this important season. Our congregation is growing and diverse, embracing longtime Episcopalians and those new to this tradition. We believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ through our worship and community life.
Whether you join us for our Shrove Tuesday celebration, attend one of our Ash Wednesday services, or participate in Sunday worship throughout Lent, you'll find a warm and inclusive community ready to journey alongside you.
For more information about our Lenten services or other church events, please visit our website or contact our church office at 843-277-2765.
We welcome all to our church services, regardless of background or familiarity with Episcopal traditions. We look forward to welcoming you to Saint James Episcopal Church, where God loves you – no exceptions.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 4th
5:00 – 7:00pm
Saint James Center Great Hall
Ash Wednesday Services
7:30 AM
11:30 AM
7:00 PM
