Pancake day.

What are your memories of pancake day.  I remember as a child the flurry of excitement when my mother got out the flour and eggs and milk and started making the batter for the pancakes.   It was a huge job for her to make sure there was enough for everyone to have at least two, and maybe more because our house was filled with people, parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, and cousins who came by and sometimes stayed.  That was our family.  We were a mix and match bunch, but everyone knew that there was a place for them at a family table, whichever one that might be.

The pancakes didn't look fancy like the photograph, and the toppings were probably very unhealthy, including sugar, lemon, Golden Syrup, and whatever Mum could throw together from the pantry.  Marmalade sauce was one of my favourites because it wasn't too sweet, and consisted of half a jar of marmalade, a knob of butter and some juice or water.  It was then heated up to make a wonderful syrup which dripped over the edge of the pancake onto fingers and clothes, a sticky wonderful tasty beginning to Lent.

As a child, it was so exciting.   The implications of lent and the crucifixion was a very difficult concept, so children had the 'milk of the gospel' through homes and Sunday School, whilst our parents did the difficult bit.

When I became a mother, my daughter loved pancake day, and the plate became a little less sugary and a bit more healthy with banana or berries, or even savoury things inside.  What lovely memories, and now in lockdown I remember how we laughed and enjoy that treat together.   My daughter will be doing the same thing today for her children, (I wonder what she will put inside). and carrying on the tradition that has been part of our lives for generations.  

This lent we will still have pancakes, but more importantly, there are other things that we need to do to understand and learn about our saviour and our part in learning and teaching others about the momentous event to come at Easter.

Our church has put together 3 lent courses online.  One will be looking at some well known Lent and Easter hymns, and thinking about how the words and music can help our relationship with God.  We are told that we do not have to sing if we find that uncomfortable, but I am Welsh, I will be there in full voice.

Our other courses are called Growing in God's Garden, a family practical and reflective project, building an Easter Garden.

Finally, the York Course, Living in Hope, by Catherine Fox, a lecturer and novelist (and vicar's wife) will explore a theme that is relevant for all.

Well done to our team at the Churn Benefice.   You are doing a wonderful job and are much appreciated.

Prayer with me.

Father, as we look forward with anticipation to Lent and the opportunities for deeper prayer and study.  May we take these opportunities to learn, to grow and to develop our faith and commitment.

MU Prayer for Shrove Tuesday.