It's Lent, but not as we know it

As the oldest Sunday school group at St John's Church in Crowthorne, Berkshire, the teenage Pathfinders are energetic and enthusiastic, making time for their faith among the various other enticements of teenage life. Should it be a surprise then that these active young Christians prefer to interpret the sacrifice and self-discipline traditionally observed at Lent as a chance for outward action as much as inward contemplation? Are they missing the point, or finding a relevant expression of their commitment to God? Sally Jarman quizzed them.

Our discussion begins with Shrove Tuesday. Suffice to say 'pancake day' is still popular and someone even knew that the purpose was originally to use up foodstuffs before Lent began.

Ash Wednesday was more tricky. This is the day when the sign of the cross is marked on Christians' foreheads as a symbol of our penitence for wrongdoing during the year. One or two of our Pathfinders knew that Ash Wednesday was the official start of Lent but there were puzzled frowns over why.

Impressively, most of the group said they knew that Lent lasted for 40 days, reflecting the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.

So, do they, or their families observe Lent with prayer, Bible study, fasting or by giving up a food or activity? No, they said. Despite generally being part of churchgoing families Lent wasn't a noticeable part of the year at home.
Maddy thought sacrificing something we liked was a good way of remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Sophie said she had attempted to give up things like chocolate numerous times, but usually failed; sweet drinks could go said Thomas; Or Coke, decided Edward.

But most thought denying themselves certain foods, or activities like watching television, sounded more beneficial to them physically than spiritually, like going on a diet.

Illusionist David Blaine stuck in Alex's mind as someone who famously denied himself food or water for 40 days as he suspended himself high up in a glass box over London. Stunt rather than spiritual quest, they concluded.
Do they discuss the reasons behind Lenten observance at school or church?

A few times over the years in Sunday School they thought. Possibly at primary school. But, rarely (unless in conjunction with fasting in other religions) in secondary school. In all of these  settings it seems Easter is more of a focus for education.

Last month's DOOR featured a number of Lent Study packs available from charities, offering church groups a focus on prayer for Lent together with possibilities for action to help others.

Did this active approach seem a more relevant way to mark Lent for our teenagers I wondered?

Their enthusiasm was back with tales of energy and time spent on good deeds already done. Florence said she and some friends at her school had charged other pupils to decorate biscuits to raise money for a charity helping Leprosy sufferers.

Leader Nicky Swanborough remembered another school year group being challenged by their headmistress to raise £1,000 for charity at Lent with the promise that if they succeeded she would dress as an Easter Bunny. They managed it.

Other Pathfinders had taken part in a sponsored five-a-side football tournament for Cancer Research.
And yes, they said they did reflect on and pray for those they were helping too.