St. Andrew’s, Panama City, hosts Shrove Tuesday event

Story and photos contributed by Laurie Ayers, Coastline Communicator
St. Andrew’s, Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA — St. Andrew’s, Panama City hosted a festive Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Pancake Supper. Parishioners and visitors were invited to come to the supper dressed as their “shadow selves.”

Rev. Dr. Margaret Shepard explained that the idea of dressing up and clothing oneself has a theology of its own. In scripture, we learn that Adam and Eve sought to cover themselves. The church has used the idea of special dress at moments of innocence and fresh beginnings: the white garment used for the newly baptized, which comes from the catechumenates of the early church at the Easter Vigil; the white dress worn by the bride. During Lent and on Ash Wednesday, we are invited to “put on sackcloth and ashes,” contemplating our humanity. At Easter, we are asked by St. Paul to “put on Christ,” and thus the custom of Easter outfits and bonnets emerged.

The evening was enjoyed by all. Folks donned all sorts of costumes, brought their most decadent desserts and wine to share, ate pancakes, and reveled in jazz music. Several couples danced to the lively music. During the festivities everyone was asked to sign a beautiful Alleluia Banner. At the end of the evening, the group sang all sorts of Alleluia songs by candlelight. As the Eight Fold Alleluia was sung, the Alleluia Banner was taken and buried, not to be heard or seen again until the Easter Vigil.