The Season of Lent

About Lent - The Season of Lent is a time of preparation marked by fasting, prayerful repentance, and generosity. It began in the early days of the Church as a time of preparation for those seeking to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. The spiritual discipline of fasting is connected to our Lord’s time of fasting in the wilderness.

We enter this season full of hope, that by hearing and answering our Savior’s call to repent, we may enter fully into the joyful celebration of his resurrection together on Easter Sunday.

This year, Lent begins on February 18 with Ash Wednesday. This solemn service is a way for Christians to prepare their hearts, minds, and bodies for the Season of Lent.

Giving Something Up For Lent? - The Church recommends three spiritual disciplines during the Season of Lent: Prayer, Almsgiving(Generosity), and Fasting. The idea of “giving something up” grew out of the discipline of fasting. In addition to the tradition of taking Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as special days of fasting, many choose to fast from something in particular for the whole Lenten season. This can be a great spiritual discipline, but it is not “required”. Feel free to reach out to any St. Thomas clergy to learn more aboutLent or talk through ways to participate.

Morning Prayer Together

On Wednesdays we gather at 8 AM for the Daily Office of Morning Prayer and to pray for the needs of our church family. We meet at the St. Thomas Parish House (395 S. Church St. Athens, GA) You can submit prayer requests via e-mail and we will pray for them during our time together. The address is prayer@stacathens.org.

You can learn more about using the Book of Common Prayer for your personal devotions here on our website.

Wednesday Night Lenten Study

Starting February 25th we will be gathering together on Wednesday nights for a special 5 week Lenten Study. Each Wednesday we will gather at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a simple meal, teaching, and discussion. The study will be based off of Bishop Todd Hunter's book Our Favorite Sins. Reading the book is not necessary for attending the class. However, if you wanted to purchase it, there are several places online to do so and it is available as an e-book. Bishop Todd will also be at St. Thomas on February 22nd to preach the first Sunday in Lent!

Over 100 adults and almost 40 kids have signed up for the Wednesday Night Lenten Study! Registration has now closed. Reach out to Deacon Tex Bagley for more information if you are interested in participating and jumping into the study.

Note that STAC Youth will continue to meet on Wednesday Nights from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Parish House. Parents reach out to Sam Cargill for more info about STAC Youth.

Palm Sunday, Holy Week, & Easter Schedule

3/29 - Palm Sunday - 9 AM & 11 AM

Meet under the awning and process into the Sanctuary together

4/1 - Wednesday - Morning Prayer, 8 AM

(The Parish House)

4/2 - Maundy Thursday, 6 PM

Solemn Service that begins the Sacred Triduum (Three Days)

4/3 - Good Friday

Noon (Stations of the Cross)

6 PM (Good Friday Liturgy)

Join us as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter morning!

For the first time this year, we will have a 7 AM Sunrise Service outside as one of our Easter Morning Services.

We are excited to gather as the day breaks to proclaim the hope and new life found in Christ.

If you plan to attend the Sunrise service, please bring your own lawn chair as the service will be held outdoors in front of the church (weather permitting).

Other Key Events Later This Spring

4/19 - St. Thomas 101 - Learn more about St. Thomas and explore church membership. This will be held on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall after Church. A meal is provided with RSVP and childcare is available. Sign up using this Google Form.

4/24 & 4/25 - Parenting Conference with Dr. Ken Wilgus - Registration opens March 1st. Dr. Wilgus will also be preaching at St. Thomas at both services on 4/26. Visit stacathens.org/kids for more information or click the button below. Note that there is a suggested donation of $60 to help cover some of the costs of the conference. You can put that in the offering plate on Sunday or make a general $60 donation online.

5/24 - Pentecost Sunday - Celebrate the Feast of Pentecost with us on Sunday morning! The Children’s Choir will also perform during our morning services.

5/31 - Trinity Sunday - This special morning is the next opportunity for Holy Baptism at St. Thomas. Contact Fr. Bill Stanford for more information if you would like to be baptized or have a child that you would like to bring for baptism.