FAT TUESDAY FESTIVAL 
While occuring prior to Lent, we plan to celebrate FAT TUESDAY, February 5th. This year we plan to turn our annual Pancake Supper into a big event for the entire community. From 5:30 to 8pm we will be serving pancakes, sausage and apple sauce, listening to a live band, and enjoying some BIG festivities. Inside we will have balloons for the kids, face painting, and an all-ages pancake eating contest (how fast can you eat a pancake?) as well as a pancake relay. Outside, there will be activities for the kids (bring hats and gloves), fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and hot cider and hot cocoa to keep you warm. Invite a friend to the Fat Tuesday Festival. It's going to be a great occasion!

Donations will be accepted for this event and all proceeds will go to the Student Ministry Summer Mission to the City of Pittsburgh. Our youth will be refurbishing homes for the poor in Pittsburgh's east end.

What is Fat Tuesday? The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday has been known by a variety of names around the world including: Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Pancake Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Paczki Day, Fauschnaut Day, Carnival Tuesday, and Fat Tuesday. Historically, this day included disposing of rich ingredients such as eggs, milk and sugar by making and then eating pancakes and doughnuts prior to entering into a season of penance during Lent - the 40 days preceding Easter.

ASH WEDNESDAY
Lent will begin with Ash Wednesday services on February 6th. Services will be held at 7am, noon and 7pm. Childcare will be available at the 7pm service.

LENTEN WEDNESDAY DINNER SERIES
We will follow the same pattern as in previous years, beginning at 5:45pm with a meal together in the Parish Hall, followed by worship, teaching, discussion and prayer. Each evening will end no later than 8pm and full programs will be provided both for children and youth.

This year we are going to study the book of Jonah. If all you remember of Jonah is the Sunday School pictures of Jonah and the whale - then you are in for a challenging and inspiring time! This short (4 chapter) Old Testament book provides amazing insights into temptation, the raging storms of life, unfaithfulness and faithfulness - not to mention praying in some very odd places! The book of Jonah is also a powerful call to self-examination, God's calling and mission. Speakers this year include Ann Paton, Jay Slocum, Grant LeMarquand and Jonathan Millard. On the final evening Saltworks Theatre Company will be performing a dramatic presentation of the story of Jonah. So, set aside these Wednesdays and plan to come!

1. February 13
2. February 20
3. Feburary 27
4. March 5
5. March 12 - Saltworks presentation

We are in the process of finalizing the casserole recipes for the four evenings. Once that is done, a general call will be made for parishioners to bring in a casserole or two, or to assist in some other practical way (setting tables and cleaning up). If you have a recipe that is good for a crowd, call the office (ext. 218). Thanks!