Lent is holy season where we as people of faith prepare for our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. These forty days are marked by prayer, Scripture study and self denial.

Traditionally at Spring Valley, prior to Lent, we have celebrated with “Fat Sunday” Pancakes and Jazz. It has been a joyous time of fellowship before the more somber season.

This year we look forward to this tradition with a new and expanded celebration of “Fat Sunday”. Thanks to the leadership of our Congregational Life Team and Common Ground Planning Team we’ll be broadening this tradition in some wonderful ways!

Here are the changes:

· Instead of a Pancake & Jazz Breakfast our meal will be a Pancake & Jazz Brunch.

· The date for the Pancake & Jazz Brunch will be Sunday, February 27.

· Time for the brunch will be at noon.

· Our guest list will be expanding. As always, members and friends of Spring Valley are all invited. Yes, pIease invite your friends to this fun and festive brunch. In addition we’re inviting new friends from University of Texas at Dallas and the Northwood Hills Apartments.

· We are requesting that members of the UTD student body help us enhance our experience of Lent and help shed light on this season for those who might be unfamiliar with its spiritual richness.

· To this end, we are asking them to bring their works of art (paintings, sketches, poetry, collages, small sculptures, photography, etc.) that reflect their own connection to or practice of Lent.

· Additionally, there will be painting stations set up for those who would like to create a piece of art on site.

· These pieces will be displayed in Wesley Hall throughout the Lenten season.

· The Brunch will be a “Come-and-Go event”...no "program"

· Masks are required

· Dress is casual

We are excited about this new and expanded celebration of “Fat Sunday” and look forward to sharing in this special time with you.