LENT EXPERIENCE
2026

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“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

- Matthew 6:16-18

Welcome to the CCC Lent Experience for 2026.

As a church, our theme for 2026 is Freedom.

At Christian Cultural Center, freedom is not defined as doing whatever we want, but as alignment with the mind and will of God, as taught by Pastor A.R. Bernard.

Lent is one of the primary ways we, as a community, practice that alignment.

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FAQ’s

  • Lent is a historic Christian season observed by many Christian traditions.
    It is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and giving, set apart to deepen our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and to discern where God is working in our lives.

    Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday and leads us to Resurrection Sunday.
    However, at CCC, our Lent Experience begins the evening before, on Tuesday, with our community Bible Study.

    Even though Lent follows a calendar, it is never too late to join.

  • Lent is open to all ages.
    Individuals, families, new believers, and mature believers are all invited to participate.

  • Yes.
    We ask everyone to register so we can keep you informed about Bible studies, prayer opportunities, and campus-specific details.
    Register here.

    • Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026

    • Resurrection Sunday: April 5, 2026

    While Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday, our CCC journey begins on Tuesday night, February 17, 2026.

    The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week.

  • If you miss the first day—or even the first week—join when you can.
    Lent is about intentional alignment with God, not perfection.

  • Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
    It is a day of humility, repentance, and reflection.
    Ashes remind us of our mortality, our need for grace, and Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

  • We will not host a separate Ash Wednesday service this year.
    Instead, our Lent Experience begins with Tuesday Night Bible Study on February 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM Eastern Time—also known historically as Shrove Tuesday.

  • Our Bible Studies focus on learning and growing in community.

    You may participate through:

    • In-person study at the Brooklyn Campus

    • In-person study at the Long Island Campus

    • In-person and virtual study at the Atlanta Campus

    • Online study via WebEx for Orlando and the Internet Campus

    Details are provided after registration.

  • Shrove Tuesday takes place on February 17, 2026, the day before Ash Wednesday.
    Historically, it was a day of repentance, confession, and preparation before the Lenten fast.

    For CCC, this is the night we gather to begin our Lent journey together.

  • We encourage four practices:
    Be honest in self-examination, rooted in grace.
    Be compassionate in service.
    Spread love intentionally.
    And fast to feast on God’s presence.

  • Fasting traditionally begins on Ash Wednesday.
    Each person should prayerfully decide how to participate over the 40 days of Lent.

  • Fasting is the intentional denial of food to make space for God.
    Fasting recalibrates the heart, turns down distractions, and reorients us toward freedom in Christ.

  • Monday through Saturday are fasting days.
    Sunday is never a fasting day—it is a day of celebration and worship.

    Before fasting:
    Consult your physician if needed.
    Read Matthew 6 and Isaiah 58.
    And remember: God looks at the heart.

  • Lent has historically been a season of corporate prayer and Scripture reading.
    This year, our community will journey together through The Paradox of Freedom by Pastor Jamaal Bernard.

    This devotional explores how surrender and obedience lead not to restriction, but to true freedom.

  • The Paradox of Freedom is available at CCC campuses and through the CCC eShop.

  • Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026.
    Maundy Thursday is April 2.
    Good Friday is April 3.
    Holy Saturday is April 4.

  • Sunday, April 5, 2026, is Resurrection Sunday—the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.

  • No one is compelled to observe Lent.
    We invite you freely, knowing we do not earn God’s love—we respond to it.