It was an event to remember! On Wednesday, February 22, Faith hosted a family friendly Mardi Gras celebration where we learned how Mardi Gras relates to our faith. Over 150 people enjoyed fantastic jambalaya and king
cake. Carnival games, a bouncy house and Mardi Gras mask crafts added to the fun.

After dinner and games there was a concert in the sanctuary. We learned that Mardi Gras is a celebration from New Orleans to Brazil. It is also connected to the seasons of the church year. It begins on the 12th Day of Christmas when wise men bearing gifts came to visit a young boy, the Son of God. Miniature babies hidden in king cakes represent the gift that Jesus has come into the world—that we have new life. Mardi Gras continues until Fat Tuesday, traditionally the last day to live it up and celebrate before Ash Wednesday.

There are three colors that symbolize Mardi Gras. Purple, a royal color worn by kings, represents justice, green represents faith, and gold is for power.

After the Mardi Gras parties are over, what’s next? Lent is a season in the church year that lasts for 40 days, to remember the 40 days of Jesus fasting in the wilderness. It starts on Ash Wednesday, and lasts until the day before Easter. It’s really 46 days in total, but the 6 Sundays in between don’t count towards the fast.

The concert ended with a rousing rendition of “When the Saints go Marching OUT,” complete with a parade around the sanctuary by all of the children at the service.