Ash Wednesday Services

 

Febraury 22nd

 (One of two traditional days for Christians to take on a fast.)

7 am

Noon

7:00pm
(Eucharist with childcare)

6901 TPC Dr.
2/10 mile south of Lee Vista

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are from the burned palm Crosses that have been gathered from the previous year's Palm Sunday. Each person who recives the ashes hears these words."Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." These are the words spoken by God to Adam as part of his curse on the man for his part in the rebellion against God. In hearing these words we are reminded of our need for grace and redemption. Yet in hearing them we are remined to give thanks for the God's provision of the same through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.  This is 40 day long time period when Church calls us all to renew our Christian discipline. It is a time to prepare for the annual remembrance of the death and resurrection. Many people will rededicate themselves with certain practices. Some will give up particular foods such as sweets, fats, meats etc. Others with add a particular focus on Bible reading or prayer. Others will be more intentional in doing mission and outreach. All of these with the intent of shaping their lives into the kind of people God calls us to be all year. (You might think of Lent as the Church’s spring training.) Lent goes through Holy week and ends when Easter begins!