Shrove Tuesday in The Park
Feb. 17th @ 5:30 pm
Riverfront Park, Oro Valley
King's Cross will be hosting a Shrove Tuesday dinner @ Riverfront Park in Oro Valley for the church and the community! But this brings up several questions. What is Shrove Tuesday? What should I expect? Do I need to bring anything? Read on to learn more about this historic event.
Shrove Tuesday History
Shrove Tuesday has evolved a lot over the years. Originally, Shrove Tuesday was the end of Shrovetide, which was a week-long observance of confession and penance where Christians would make it a regular practice to confess to their priest and be absolved of their sins before the season of Lent began. However, Christianity co-opted this practice with that of Mardi Gras (or translated "Fat Tuesday") and it turned into a season of feasting before the fast. Christians would clean out the house of all the things one would fast from during Lent: meat, eggs, dairy, sugar, etc. This is why many Christians will often have a pancake breakfast or dinner the day before Lent begins to get all those delicious, fatty foods out of the house before they must fast.
The Heart of Shrove Tuesday
Over the years, Christianity has found itself being syncretistic in many different areas and, at the same time, has been working to unravel itself from the ways of the world. This feast season is no exception. On the other hand, this feast fits in well with the season of Epiphanytide and as a preparation for Lent. But it would be wrong for us to participate in the sin of gluttony, just so we could fast from sinning for the next 40 days. A Christian is supposed to avoid sinning as much as possible through the strength of God that is within them. Therefore, gathering together for a meal, sharing out of our abundance, and celebrating in a holistic, God-honoring way creates space for us to enter Lent sober in mind and body, instead of bloated, confused, and reeling from the consequences of overindulgence.
Will you join us?
To honor this traditional feast day, King's Cross will be hosting a BBQ cookout at Riverfront Park on Feb. 17th @ 5:30 pm, and we would love for you to be there!
Do I need to bring anything?
Only if you have excess. The church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, and some sides to share with everyone. If you have excess in your budget or house, feel free to bring something. Otherwise, you can walk up, and we will feed every hungry soul that we can.
Is there a cost?
Again, nope! We just want you to come and enjoy fellowship with us and a free meal.
What else will there be?
We will have some equipment for pickleball and other sports while you are there. Additionally, there will be a playground to play at and a field to use. Bring some balls or anything else that you wouldn't mind sharing with others.
Additionally, around 7:30, we will close our evening with a service called "The Liturgy of the Palms" to help us usher in Lent. If you want to know what that is about, you will just have to come and see!