What is Lent and why does it last forty days?

Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. 

It is a time of self-examination and reflection.  In the early church, Lent was a 

time to prepare new converts for baptism.  Today, Christians focus on their 

relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or volunteering 

and giving of themselves for others.  The forty days represents the time Jesus 

spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan. Sundays in Lent are 

not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" 

celebration of the Jesus' victory over sin and death.

Visit this site for more information:  Lent 101 at Upper Room's MethodX Web site   

http://www.upperroom.org/methodx/thelife/articles/lent101.asp

        Ash Wednesday       Palm Sunday          Easter 

Feb 21st             April 1	   	Sunday,April 8th

COOL THINGS TO DO FOR LENT

   1. Skip one meal a day and give the money to the poor.
   2. Start a prayer "rhythm." Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, 

      see a commercial, or check your e-mail.
   3. Read a chapter in the Bible a day. (Matthew is a good book to start with).
   4. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself).
   5. Give up beer or sodas. Give the money you save to the Red Cross.
   6. Spend thirty minutes a day in silence.
   7. Write someone a thank you letter.
   8. Say one nice thing to someone each day.
   9. Pray for others on your way to work or school.
  10. Volunteer one afternoon a week at a local shelter, tutoring program or Habitat for Humanity.