The Rev. Ms. Laura Loving, Director of Children’s Ministries at The United Church of Los Alamos answers questions about Shrove Tuesday. Courtesy photo

BY GEORGIA STRICKFADEN
Public Relations Chair
The United Church of Los Alamos

Laura, some of us do not have a background to understand Shrove Tuesday. Maybe we associate it with Mardi Gras, but can you tell us, please, what Shrove Tuesday is?

In the Christian tradition, Shrove Tuesday sets the stage for the  Season of Lent, which is a period of 40 days leading up to Easter. Those 40 days recall Jesus’ time in the wilderness, a time of testing for him and a time of spiritual discipline for us as we put into practice the tenets of our faith. Some people fast or give up something to sharpen their sense of commitment during Lent. So on Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) we try to use up the rich ingredients in our pantry so that we can start Lent the next day. The ingredients in pancakes – eggs, butter, flour and milk – used to be very common things for people to give up for Lent, so making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday developed into a tradition, especially in Great Britain. 

How did you first become aware of Shrove Tuesday and its significance?

I grew up in a Presbyterian Church, observing Ash Wednesday as the solemn first day of Lent, but I hadn’t paid much attention to Shrove Tuesday until my early days of ministry. I had previously relegated the idea of Fat Tuesday to the rowdy Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. But as I prepared for Lent in ministry, it made sense to acknowledge our need to shed some of our habits or vices before entering the season of Lent. As I researched the observance, I learned that “Shrove” refers to the act of confession. When a person is absolved after confession, she has been “shriven” –so getting ready for Lent we observe Shrove Tuesday, get rid of the fats in the cupboard, and shake loose our faults and foibles in a festive celebration. 

What do you hope that by celebrating Shrove Tuesday participants would take away from the experience?

At our Shrove Tuesday celebration at the United Church we, of course, will have pancakes (including a pancake race…a tradition stemming from an English village in the 15th century where a woman heard the church bells ringing while she was preparing pancakes, so she ran to church while still flipping the pancakes!) We will play some games, learn more about the traditions and practices of Lent, and practice the mandate of loving our neighbor by packing care packages for new mothers in the Many Mothers organization, a vital support resource for northern New Mexico. I hope people leave with full tummies, a sense of having completed some service to others, and a new appreciation for the Lenten journey. 

Anything else you’d like to say to the Los Alamos Community?

This is an event for all ages. Adults and kids of any faith tradition or none! As we learn more about the loneliness epidemic and we navigate anxious times in our culture, what better balm than meeting up with other people around the table, sharing stories and service! So join us at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4 at the United Church’s Christian Education building, 2525 Canyon Road. Bring a friend and share the festive spirit of being forgiven and free to love and serve others.