[FEB. 21, 2004]  Floats, feasting and the crowning of royalty all play a part in the Mardi Gras festivities at St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln, as at the more famous celebration in New Orleans. The church event begins at 5 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 22).

Purple, green and gold -- Mardi Gras colors -- will be featured in decorations and on the shoebox floats that form a miniature version of the famed New Orleans parade. Families decorate the floats and compete for prizes.

Queen contestants are Lori Christensen, Michelle Johnson, Carla Jurgenson and Lois Leonard. Vying for king are Nathan Aue, Chuck Brainard, Julian Menzel and Bob Sanders. Winners, chosen by monetary votes, will be crowned at the celebration, which begins with a potluck dinner. Chicken, ham, drinks and table service are provided.

Games for all ages include pinochle and bingo for adults. Breaking of a jester pinata in Mardi Gras colors will cap the children's activities.

Mardi Gras means "fat Tuesday" and is the day prior to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day Christian observance of Lent. Lent, a time of preparation for Easter week, traditionally has included fasting or giving up some indulgence like chocolate. Hence, Fat Tuesday was the last day of indulgence before the start of abstinence.

The St. John celebration jumps the gun by two days but does take place within the traditional Shrovetide, the three days before the beginning of Lent. The name derives from the fact that the believer was to say confession, or be shriven (past tense: shrove), on the first day of the observance.

St. John United Church of Christ is located at the corner of Seventh and Maple streets in Lincoln.

[News release]

[FEB. 14, 2004]  February and March events at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1409 Pulaski St. in Lincoln:

A prayer vigil will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at at church. Read, pray and meditate in preparation for Lent.

Immanuel will host a family night potluck dinner Sunday, Feb. 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Members should bring a meat dish and a dish to pass. Drinks and table service will be provided. Sign-up sheets are posted in the church entrances. Child care will be provided by the Lutheran Youth Fellowship.

In a combined effort, Pastor Russell, Pastor Hofer and Pastor Wissmann will be exchanging pulpits during the 2004 Lenten season. The theme of the Lenten services will be "Walking Wet." The schedule for Immanuel is as follows:

Wednesday, Feb. 25 -- Pastor Wissmann

Wednesday, March 3 -- Pastor Hofer

Wednesday, March 10 -- Pastor Russell

Wednesday, March 17 -- Pastor Wissmann

Wednesday, March 24 -- Pastor Hofer

Wednesday, March 31 -- Pastor Russell

All services will be at 7 p.m.

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