VIEWFINDER (Bonus): With Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins (2 Photos)

Ash Wednesday on March 10, 2011 marked the start of Lent and the run-up to Easter, the most important Christian holiday because it marks the day that Christians believe Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead.

Lent is the traditional time of reflection and sacrifice in the 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. Churches and religions that observe Lent will hold special services, such as the Stations of the Cross, give up a bad habit or favorite activity and observe certain milestones, such as Palm Sunday the week before Easter. In some traditions, such as the Catholic church, observers give up meat on Fridays.

The following denominations traditionally observe Ash Wednesday and Lent. The Patch directory also has links to the church's websites where you can look for churches.

• 4400 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, 425-747-6770
• 141 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-747-4450

• 3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, 425-822-7907
• 2650 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-746-2529
• 5501 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-881-2925
• 16231 NE 6th St, Bellevue, 425-401-1595
• 9625 NE 8th St, Bellevue, 425-454-4344 
• 411 156th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-746-7300
• 3730 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-746-1711

• 14230 SE Newport Way, Bellevue,  425-746-9800
• 17222 NE 8th St, Bellevue, 425-747-3210 
• 1934 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-454-2059

• 10936 NE 24th St, Bellevue, 425-454-1247
• 1836 156th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-746-8080 
• 3105 125th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-562-9191 
• 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 425-454-3082
• Newport Presbyterian Church, 4010 120th Avenue SE, Bellevuem 425-746-6111
  

• , 4228 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, 425-746-6650
• 1307 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-646-1136
• 15220 Main St, Bellevue, 425-746-0322