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Community Corner

Area Church Leaders Discuss the Meaning and Disciplines of Lent

Lent observers are in a 40-day period of penance, reflection and serving of others until Easter.

Local church leaders differ on what Lent disciplines should be practiced throughout the Lenten period, but all agree that the motivation should be honorable.

Lent, a Catholic tradition, started Wednesday (Ash Wednesday), and ends on Easter Sunday. People who observe lent dedicate the period to sacrificing, fasting, praying and giving back.

“Since I have been here we haven’t really challenged or encouraged people to decide what they’re giving up for Lent,” Pastor John Burow of said. “We are more apt to ask people to add something for Lent.”

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Deacon Bob Schwartz of said he likes to focus on being more patient and giving. He doesn’t think there is anything wrong with giving up something if people are doing it for the right reasons.

“If it’s truly an act of denial or act of penance for one that’s one thing, but unfortunately sometimes we give up foods and beverages because we are trying to lose weight,” Schwartz said. “We have to look at what our motivation is.”

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Minister Peggy Garrigues at said that how she honors Lent from year to year varies. Sometimes it's giving up a meal, other times it's about making an extra effort to start off each day with scripture, she said. However, she agreed with Schwartz that she wants to see people have the right motivation. If they miss a meal, for example, that person should reflect on those that are always hungry in the world.

“A Lent that does not produce any changes that we carry with us after Easter is kind of a wasted Lent, in my opinion,” Burow said.

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