PANCAKE FLIPPERS — Members of the Epiphany Men of the Church are getting ready to stir the pot, turning flour into pancake gold for the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Pictured from left are Jim Patten, Cristopher Robinson, Clyde Allen, Wayne Sheffey and Mike Webb. (Photo by Gloria Bigger-Cantu) It’s time to indulge in pancakes smothered in butter and syrup at the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper sponsored by the Epiphany Episcopal Church from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Methodist Community Life Center.

The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is a 10-year tradition of the Epiphany Men of the Church, who prepare, cook and serve the pancakes and all the fixings.

Shrove Tuesday dates back centuries and has come to be referred to as “Pancake Day,” the one day when everyone practicing the Shrove Tuesday tradition eats pancakes.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.

“Shrove Tuesday is the day before the beginning of Lent when people do acts of actual special devotion, prayer and fasting,” explained Cristopher Robinson, Rector

of the Epiphany Episcopal Church.

The reasons why pancakes are eaten on Shrove Tuesday is because Lent is a time to give up things and make sacrifices. This was the last chance for people to savor foods before the Lent season began. So centuries ago people had to use up the ingredients used in pancakes such as fat, butter and eggs that were forbidden during the Lent season.

The next day is Ash Wednesday and falls 47 days before Easter.

The word “shrove” derives from “shrive,” which means to confess and receive absolution for sins.

Members of the Epiphany Episcopal Church invite the public to attend, usually attracts bout 500 people to the pancake feast.

“As far as I know, we are the only church that has a pancake supper, and it’s a good time for people to get together for supper,” said Clyde Allen, who will one of the men preparing the pancakes.

The event is a fundraiser for the church and the Epiphany Episcopal School.