Shrove Tuesday brings the famous Olney Pancake Race, followed by the annual Shriving Service at St Peter & St Paul Church in Olney.
“Pancake Day” is also known in the Christian calendar as Shrove Tuesday and is the day before the beginning of the forty days of Lent. Traditionally this day was a time in which all of the household stocks of fat and sweet ingredients were exhausted in the making of pancakes, in readiness for the period of fasting (giving things up) for the season of Lent. This tradition also provides the name for the “Mardi Gras” (Fat Tuesday) festivals held in other parts of the world.
This theme is echoed in the Shriving Service held in the church, following the famous Olney Pancake Race. “Shrove” and “Shriving” arise from “Shriven” in which our “sins”, failings and mistakes are brought to God in the sure hope of His forgiveness. It enables us to begin the holy season of Lent with clear minds and hearts in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
This special service always includes some of the well-known Olney Hymns, penned by Rev John Newton and William Cowper – and they will of course sing Amazing Grace, written by John Newton when he was the priest in charge of the church and first heard on 1st January 1773.
The guest preacher for 2025 is sports writer and sports chaplain Stuart Weir. He has worked at five Olympic Games, four Football World Cups (but no Pancake races!). He has also written books about sport and faith.
More info here