An explanation of the 2015 Lenten season

Updated: February 22, 2023

Groom, TX

A picture depicting the 40 days of Lent was posted on social media and a question arose about the significance.  I will attempt to make a long story short with an explanation, but some things are difficult to shorten like the celebration leading up to Halloween (Chalk night, Soap night, Mischief night, Halloween and All-Souls Day), but that’s another article.

Groom, TX

 The season of Lent for 2015 starts on Ash Wednesday (February 18^th) and ends on the Saturday (April 4^th) before Easter (Resurrection Sunday, Pascha), and is roughly calculated as 40 days.  It’s a time of, fasting, prayer, repentance from sin, and a time of remembrance of the pain, suffering, death and final resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 12:12 – John 21:14).

From the reference picture below, let’s back up a day and include the celebration of Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.  This is a day that makes it permissible to ‘go hog wild’ in eating, drinking and all-around-sinning before people make a ‘Lenten sacrifice’ to abstain from such physical pleasures.

Ash Wednesday is the next day of Lent.  On this day, old palm branches, from the previous year, are burned and the ashes are collected for the priest to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of some believers, as an outward sign of repentance for their sins.

The five Sundays of Lent is explained in the second paragraph above (see the link: roughly calculated as 40 days).

The “Stations of the Cross”, which are depicted in most Catholic and Lutheran churches, give an overall look into the Road to Calvary that Jesus took some 2000 years ago.  Take a look at the slide show and see the bronze life-sized sculptures of each occurrence that is depicted in the Groom, Texas location.

Palm Sunday is the next event of the Passion of the Christ.  This is the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey.  The people waved palm branches in honor of His coming into town.  These would be the same people who later had Jesus crucified to death.

Maundy or Holy Thursday is the day of the Last Supper and the Agony in the Garden.  You can look at the links to get more information on the time right before the death of Christ.

Good Friday, Great Friday or Holy Friday – some people may associate this day as the day that Christ died.  There are philosopher who have a difference of opinions.

Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday, Pascha) is the day that our Lord rose from the grave and Ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of Father God (The Holy Trinity).  Christians believe that He rose, yet remains alive in those who believe in the sanctity of the written Word of God.

Easter Monday – By this time, this writer has exhausted trying to find a good reason for Christians to celebrate this day except to revert back to the pagan ritual of Easter traditions.  The 40 days of Lent was over yesterday.

There are many controversies about the exact day of the week that some of these events took place, nonetheless, they DID occur according to the scriptures.  There are also signs and symbols that are associated with the Lenten season.  The season of Lent is a time of reflection, change and starting a “new”, yet wouldn’t it be a good thing if people would focus on Godly things all during the years of their life on this earth?

This article is intended to clarify why some religious practices still happen today, and it is not intended to disrespect or belittle anyone’s beliefs or traditions.

As of 2022, a lot of things have changed within different churches, yet the Spirit of God remains the same. throughout the world. 

To read more – Get the Book: “Where Did That Come From?” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

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It's time to make some positive thoughts for 2023. Why not think about plans during a great get-a-way as you save some money? Take-a-look and get ready to go! https://rb.gy/6s7tom

‘Kool and The Gang’ getaway in Vegas

In support of their new album, Perfect Union, released in August of 2021, and their recent single “Pursuit of Happiness”, Kool & The Gang are headed on-stage! With music styles ranging from soul, jazz, rock, funk and pop, Kool & The Gang released their debut album in 1969 and have since become recording industry legends. Throughout their musical journey, Kool & The Gang have won two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, the Soul Train Legend Award, were inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2006, the band received a Music Business Association Chairman’s Award for artistic achievement and their talent has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Now is your chance to catch Grammy award-winning Kool & The Gang live in Las Vegas! Along with 2 tickets to the concert, your music getaway package includes: three nights in a signature room at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, a Welcome Reception complete with dinner, open bar, DJ and dancing, and late checkout on your final day.

Conveniently located just one block off the famed Las Vegas Strip, the iconic Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino offers the perfect Vegas experience. Enjoy an eclectic variety of nightlife, shopping, dining, entertainment and extraordinary casino gaming, plus an extensive list of amenities. The 30-story landmark resort features nearly 3,000 rooms, a 74,000-square-foot casino, the largest sports book in Las Vegas and its very own Las Vegas Monorail station.

Take a look HERE and do yourself a huge favor and book for February 2022.

“Air Supply” will be in JAX

For one night only, the Florida Theatre is thrilled to announce that world-renowned rock duo “Air Supply” will perform at the Florida Theatre on Saturday, January 30, 2022.

Air Supply is the Australian soft rock duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock. The duo formed in 1975 after meeting during the first day of rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney, Australia; they became instant friends with their common love for The Beatles and, of course, singing.

American music industry executive Clive Davis heard their first record, Life Support, and immediately signed Air Supply to Arista Records in 1980. "Lost in Love" became the fastest selling single in the world, leaping to the top of all of the charts. The second single was "All Out of Love," and that went up the charts even quicker.

Seven top-five singles later, Air Supply at that time had equaled The Beatles' run of consecutive top five singles. The albums Lost in Love, The One That You Love, Now & Forever, and The Greatest Hits sold in excess of 20 million copies. "Lost in Love" was named Song of the Year in 1980, and, with the other singles, sold more than 10 million copies.

The trademark sound of Russell Hitchcock's soaring tenor voice and Graham Russell's simple yet majestic songs created a unique sound that would forever be known as Air Supply. "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," "The One That You Love,” "Sweet Dreams," and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio.

In 2013, the duo was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association’s Hall of Fame. Air Supply celebrated their 40^th anniversary in 2015 and continue to delight audiences all over the world.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website.

“Air Supply”

DATE: Sun., Jan. 30, 2022

TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $39.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
       128 East Forsyth Street.
       Jacksonville, FL 32202
       (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)

‘Dwight Yoakam’ is coming to the Florida Theatre

Once again, the Florida Theatre is pleased to announce GRAMMY-winning country music artist “Dwight Yoakam” on Friday, January 28, 2022.

Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10. Nearly 40 of Yoakam’s singles have charted on Billboard, with 14 peaking in the Top 10. Yoakam is a recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association, the most prestigious award offered by the organization, he will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the Songwriter/Artist category at the 49th anniversary Gala on October 14, 2019 in Nashville, TN.

Yoakam’s self-curated SiriusXM channel, titled Dwight Yoakam and The Bakersfield Beat ‘Where Country Went Mod’ launched in April of 2018. The channel celebrates the Bakersfield sound and those whom it has inspired. Guests have boasted the likes of Post Malone, Lukas Nelson, Beck, Chris Hillman, Jakob Dylan, Mike Nesmith and Mickey Dolans, Dave Alvin, and Jackie DeShannon, among others.

In 2016, Yoakam released his bluegrass album Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars… on Sugar Hill Records. Featuring a band of bluegrass luminaries, this album boasts a collection of reinterpreted favorites from his catalogue, as well as a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain”. Produced by nine-time GRAMMY winner Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton), Jon Randall (songwriter of “Whiskey Lullaby”), and Yoakam himself, and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, this album reflects the love for bluegrass music that Yoakam developed at an early age in Kentucky and that has inspired him for many years thereafter.  In 2018, Yoakam released two songs, “Pretty Horses” and “Then Came Monday” (the latter written with Chris Stapleton).

In addition to his musical career, Yoakam is a formidable film and television actor who has appeared in over 40 feature films, including Sling Blade and Panic Room. In 2016, he recurred in David E. Kelley’s Amazon series Goliath. Recently, he appeared in director Steven Soderbergh’s film Logan Lucky with Channing Tatum and Daniel Craig. Yoakam is capable of seamlessly melting into his roles and impressively standing toe-to-toe with some of the world’s top thespians over the course of his storied and successful acting career, including Jodie Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Jared Leto, Forest Whitaker and Matthew McConaughey.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website, floridatheatre.com.

“Dwight Yoakam”

DATE: Fri., Jan. 28, 2022

TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $49.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
       128 East Forsyth Street.
       Jacksonville, FL 32202
       (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)

New Year starts at the Cummer Museum – 2022

It’s a New Year and time to get out and appreciate some glorious artwork. Don’t miss the happenings at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Although the Cummer collectively faced significant challenges in 2021, they were so happy to connect with you and offer meaningful opportunities throughout the year. Please take a moment to experience Rebecca Louise Law: The Journey one last time before it closes on January 9, 2022. Another slate of exciting exhibitions and programs are on the horizon for 2022. Here’s to a safe, healthy, and artful New Year. They can’t wait to see you.

Events & Programs for January 2022:

Lecture Series with Scott Brown, Ph.D. – Hosted by Cummer Beaches & Sponsored by Diane Jacobsen Ph.D. Jan. 6, The Cummer Gardens: Natural Beauty and Beautiful Cities in the American Landscape from 7 to 8 p.m. Free.

Culture & Conversation: Gordon Yellowman Sponsored by Wells Fargo Jan. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. | Free.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Sponsored by The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free.

Dried Flower Arrangement with Found Objects, With Julie Feldman, ages 18+ Jan. 23 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Members $55, Non-Members $70 | Registration required.

Offsite Experiences: The Works and Life of Vincent Van Gogh; Tribulations and Triumphs Jan. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. Per lecture $10, For series $25 + Offsite at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro.

Education:

Get Your Learn On: Highlights Tour, Every Tuesday in Januarythrough March from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Free with Admission.

Artful Explorations, Hands on Activities Jan. 9, The Stories of Flowers from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free with Admission.

Look at That! Virtual event Jan. 12, The Sitter; Jan. 26, Not Me from Noon to 1 p.m. Free | Registration required.

Friday Night Draw With William McMahan, ages 16+ Jan. 14, Drawing in the Galleries Jan. 28, Portrait Drawing with Model from 6 to 8 p.m. Members $25, Non-Members $35 Registration required.

Storyteller Mornings With Jacksonville Public Library Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to Noon, Free | Registration required.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ in JAX on Jan. of 2022

The FSCJ Artist Series announces that the Jacksonville premiere of “DEAR EVAN HANSEN” will be coming to the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts for 8 shows only!

Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

Dear Evan Hansen has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says Dear Evan Hansen is “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News declares the musical “an inspiring anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at #8 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

“Dear Evan Hansen”, produced by Stacey Mindich, features scenic design by David Korins, projection design by Peter Nigrini, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, and hair design by David Brian Brown. Music supervision, orchestrations and additional arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire. Ben Cohn is the Associate Music Supervisor. Vocal arrangements and additional arrangements are by Justin Paul. Danny Mefford is the choreographer. Casting by Tara Rubin Casting/Xavier Rubiano. Sash Bischoff, Adam Quinn and Danny Sharron are the Associate Directors. Judith Schoenfeld is the Production Supervisor. US General Management 101 Productions. For more information, please visit the Dear Evan Hansen website.

The health and well-being of the audience and staff is their top priority. The FSCJ Artist Series, alongside their colleagues at the Times-Union Center, have a list of Safety and Security Protocols HERE. Recommended for ages 12+.

“Dear Evan Hansen”

DATES & TIMES:
Tues., Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 28 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 29 at 2 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 29 at 8 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 30 at 7:00 p.m.

TICKETS: can be purchased online 24/7 by calling FSCJ Artist Series Box Office: (904) 632-5000 M–Thurs. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or email them at info@fscjartistseries.org. Groups of 10 or more are eligible to a discount on tickets to most shows. To receive the best pricing, reserve your group tickets today. Groups may begin placing reservation requests by calling (904) 632-5050 or emailing.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 632-5000

‘Menopause the Musical’ coming back to JAX

Their last time in Jacksonville was in April of 2017. The national tour of “Menopause The Musical®”, will be coming back to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center’s Terry Theater for three (3) performances only – Jan. 8 & 9, 2022.

Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what more than 17 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for 19 years! It's the Hilarious Groundbreaking Celebration of Women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived and The Change®! Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, “Menopause The Musical®” was created as a celebration of women who find themselves at any stage of “The Change.” It’s a laughter-filled 90-minute production

Now celebrating eighteen years of female empowerment through hilarious musical comedy, “Menopause The Musical®” has evolved as a "grassroots" movement of women who deal with life adjustments after 40 by embracing each other and the road ahead. “Menopause The Musical®” is recognized as the longest-running scripted production in Las Vegas. The hilarious musical has entertained audiences across the country in more than 450 U.S. cities, nearly 300 international cities and a total of 15 countries.

Set in a department store, four women meet by chance while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. After noticing unmistakable similarities among one another, the all-female cast jokes about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain and much more. These women form a sisterhood and unique bond with the entire audience as they rejoice in celebrating that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage.”

“Menopause The Musical”

DATES:     TIMES:
Sat. Jan. 8, 2022 4 & 8 p.m.
Sun. Jan. 9    2 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $49.50 – $79.50 and may be purchased online 24/7 by calling FSCJ Artist Series Box Office: (904) 632-5000 M–Thurs. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or email them at info@fscjartistseries.org. Groups of 10 or more are eligible to a discount on tickets to most shows. To receive the best pricing, reserve your group tickets today. Groups may begin placing reservation requests by calling (904) 632-5050 or emailing.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Terry Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

‘Joanne Shaw Taylor’ brings her talent to the Ritz

Critically acclaimed British guitarist and singer songwriter, “Joanne Shaw Taylor”, universally hailed as the UK’s premiere blues rock guitarist, is announcing the release of her seventh studio full-length record - "The Blues Album".

“I’d known from the beginning of my recording career that one day I wanted to record an album of blues covers, I just wasn’t sure when the right time to do that would be,” says Joanne. “I’ve always found it far easier to write my own material than come up with creative ways to make other artists’ material my own.”

When the pandemic put the brakes on from musicians from touring during 2020 and most of 2021, Joanne thought it was the right time to head into the studio to record The Blues Album.

Met with great critical acclaim worldwide, Joanne Shaw Taylor’s became the second album released on Joe Bonamassa’s independent label KTBA Records to debut at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Join the Ritz Theatre & Museum on Thursday, January 27, 2022, what will surely be a sweet LaVilla Night.

“We wanted to make a tough vocal centric straight blues record that showcases Joanne’s amazing talent but in a slightly different light,” explains Joe Bonamassa, producer. “Joanne is a dear friend and a superstar. Josh and I focused on testing her limits and pushing boundaries that might not have occurred before. It's all about making a statement and having the listener want to play the music repeatedly.” “We try not to live in the well-worn trails of the blues,” explains Bonamassa. “Each song has to has to stand on its own while paying tribute to the original masters.”

“Joe made it known from the get-go that his main objective for this album was to push me as a singer,” recalls Joanne. “Obviously, Joe has seen me perform many times over the years and knows my voice well. I think he felt that he could my vocal performance more, and get more out of it, especially since I’d had over a year to rest my vocal cords.”

“Joanne Shaw Taylor”

Date: Thurs., Jan. 27. 2022

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25

Location: The Ritz Theater
    °829 N Davis St.
    ºJacksonville, FL 32202
    °(904) 807-2010

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: Time Bubble Tour in JAX

The Florida Theatre is thrilled to announce the "Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) LIVE: Time Bubble Tour" on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

Alternaversal, the production company responsible for the “100 percent Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000 on Netflix, has announced its nationwide tour of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) LIVE: Time Bubble Tour, with the first 27 of an expected 80 nationwide dates, taking the tour through spring 2022. The long-running series (34 years old next Thanksgiving!) has also garnered the Peabody Award for Broadcast Excellence and multiple Emmy award nominations.

The “Time Bubble Tour,” supervised by series creator Joel Hodgson, will launch in October of 2021 in York, PA, and feature the beloved returning cast of the 2019 “Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour,” Emily Marsh, Conor McGiffin, Nate Begle, and Yvonne Freese, along with the world's only movie-riffing robots, Tom Servo, Crow, and GPC. The show features the film Making Contact and will include all the tour signatures: hilarious riffing, wisecracking robots, and silly sketches. The show will be directed by Tim Ryder, an alumni of the Second City Mainstage cast and writer and performer from the MST3K TV series.

“I’m thrilled to announce that the MST3K live show is back on the road for audiences to enjoy together again, especially after a year that's been tough on all of us. I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of hanging with friends and watching a cheesy movie while bots yell stuff at the screen,” said series creator, Joel Hodgson.

Making Contact (1985) is the Roland Emmerich directed film that Emily and the Bots will riff, featuring animated toys and an evil ventriloquist dummy in an overcrowded childhood during the eighties.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR THE TOUR: “If the tour is coming anywhere near your town, and you consider yourself an MST3K fan, you absolutely owe it to yourself to get a ticket.” – Geek.com
“MST3K contains some of the HIPPEST, deepest SATIRE of the generation.” - Los Angeles Times
“30 years later, that INGENIOUS B-movie spoof is STILL GOING STRONG.” - The New York Times

About “Mystery Science Theater 3000”: Premiering in 1988 on KTMA-TV in Minneapolis, MST3K, the long-running and original “talk back” show has earned its place in history as one of the Top 100 TV Shows of all time, according to Time, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. Set on the Satellite of Love, the series follows a hapless host trapped by mad scientists on a satellite in space, who is forced to watch some of the most outrageously cheesy movies the world has ever seen.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website, floridatheatre.com.

“Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live:
    Time Bubble Tour”

DATE: Wed., Jan. 26, 2022

TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $35 – $79.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
       128 East Forsyth Street.
       Jacksonville, FL 32202
       (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)