Christians Prepare to Observe Penitential Season of Lent

With the imposition of ashes on their foreheads, Christians throughout Southern California and the world begin the 40-day observance of the penitential season of Lent next week on Ash Wednesday.

Observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican and some Protestant churches, the season of reflection and periodic fasting in preparation for Easter, which falls on April 4 for Western churches, dates back at least to the 4th century.

Greek Orthodox churches begin observance of the Great Lent on “Clean Monday,” Feb. 22, a day of abstinence and fasting. Orthodox Easter is April 11.

In addition to prayers of repentance, the season is seen as an opportunity by many Christians for reflection on their lives and on God.

Although the Lenten observance has long been central in Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches, some Protestants whose traditions have not included a Lenten observance have begun to pick up the spirit of Lent--although they don’t always call it that.

At First Baptist Church of Downey, an American Baptist church, members observe a 50-day “spiritual adventure” that roughly coincides with the 40-day Lenten period.

“It provides our congregation with a period of accelerated spiritual growth addressing the importance of living out what we say we believe,” said the Rev. Don Burgess, senior pastor. This year’s theme, he said, is “Promises Worth Keeping--Resolving to Live What We Say We Believe.” The church is at 8348 E. 3rd St., Downey. For more information call (562) 923-1261.

LENTEN EVENTS

Holy Spirit Retreat Center offers a day of prayer next week on Ash Wednesday, with reflections on God’s love and forgiveness, and on moments of reconciliation in personal lives. The day includes scriptural prayer, quiet reflection time, sharing and ritual. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4316 Lanai Rd., Encino. (818) 784-4515.

* Altadena Congregational Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive, hosts a Stone Soup Supper on Ash Wednesday at 6 p.m. Bring a cooked ingredient to add to the soup. Worship will follow dinner. (626) 798-1185.

* Dignity/LA, a community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Roman Catholics, observes Ash Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center, 126 S. Avenue 64, Highland Park. (323) 344-8064.

MUSIC

Della Reese and O.C. Smith will appear in concert tonight at 7:30 at the City of Angels Church of Religious Science, 5550 Grosvenor Blvd., Los Angeles. $50. (310) 577-3366.

* Pianist Michael Sellers performs Sunday at 3 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles, 2936 W. 8th St., Los Angeles. A reception follows. His appearance is part of a five-concert series. Series is $25 for adults, $15 for children. Single events $7.50. (213) 389-1356.

* The First Congregational Church’s Pilgrim School marks its 40th anniversary Friday with “Club 40: A Dinner, Dance and Jazz Experience.” Sale of African heritage goods begins at 4 p.m. The “Jazz Cafe” opens at 6:30 p.m. with gourmet pizza, salad and drinks available for purchase. The jazz experience begins at 7 p.m. (admission $1) featuring Sheryl Lee Ralph of the comedy “Moesha,” and actors Brent and Juanita Jennings and Richard Thomas. 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, next to the church. (213) 385-1341.

EVENTS

Ten churches and several hundred participants are expected at a “love your community” rally and march at 2 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Florence and Normandie avenues--one of the flash points of the1992 Los Angeles riots. After the march, participants will gather at Holy Temple Four Square Church, 1706 Florence Ave., to announce plans for Christian block parties and tent crusades targeting at-risk youth.

* The grand rededication of the Hollywood Temple Beth El/Iranian American Jewish Center is planned for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Once known as the temple to the stars, the congregation had dwindled in recent years but has been revived by a joint arrangement with the Iranian American Jewish Center. Congregants will walk down Crescent Heights Boulevard to the temple with 18 Torah scrolls. The temple is at 1317 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., at Fountain Avenue. (323) 656-3150.

* The Filipino American Christian Church, 185 E. Market St., Long Beach, celebrates Valentine’s Day on Sunday with a marriage vow renewal service. Worship services during the month focus on enriching and strengthening the family and marriage. The marriage vow service begins at 10:30 a.m. (562) 428-2363.

* Eric Wollman, associate general counsel in the New York City comptroller’s office, speaks Friday at 8 p.m. on “The Search for Justice,” a story about his work on securing lost assets of Holocaust survivors. Temple Beth David, 9677 Longden Ave., Temple City. (626) 287-9994.

Notices may be mailed for consideration to Southern California File, c/o Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or by fax to Southern California File at (213) 237-4712, or by e-mail to religion@latimes.com. Items should arrive two to three weeks before the event and should include pertinent details about the people and organizations with address, phone number, date and time.