As Unitarian Universalists we promote and affirm everyone’s search for truth and meaning. That’s one of our 7 principles we proudly claim. This month and into March we can practice this principle, especially when an affinity group will focus on Easter at the March 27 Sunday service, with the help of Worship Associate, Diane Werich.

The UU Christians or Christian UU’s, there are both in this one affinity group, have asked that I write something about the season of Easter and the traditions that lead up to it, starting with Lent. Lent (meaning “lengthening”) is the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting. It’s 40 days of giving something up in order to reflect on the suffering of Jesus leading up to his death. Common things people give up today are things they love, like chocolate, wine, or some other luxury.

Our Unitarian and Universalist history shares the Easter story yet today, as UUs, many congregations choose not to acknowledge the season.

For UUs, giving-up something for Lent (or not) could be an interesting practice. You could reframe the 40 days of Lent so that it becomes a time to think about someone other than yourself. What could you give away to another person for 40 days as an expression of your gratitude for not suffering (if that’s true for you)? Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. What will you give away or give up?

Rev. Nan L. White
RVUUF Developmental Minister