Ash Wednesday is on February 26, and marks the beginning of our Lenten journey, which culminates on Easter Sunday.

On that night at worship at 7:00 PM, we will mark our foreheads with an ash cross and, as that cross is marked, we will be reminded of our sins. As we are marked by Jesus’ sacrifice; we are drawn to the realization that “[we] are dust, and to dust [we] shall return” (Genesis 3:19).

On Ash Wednesday and throughout the season of Lent, we also focus on our sins, on repentance, and on our broken world; seeing how we and all of creation has fallen far short of God’s intention and glory.

THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES

Everything we experience in life is finite and temporal, including our own lives. As the Scripture reports, we came from the dust of the ground and we will return to the dust of the ground. (Genesis 3:19 & Ecclesiastes 3:20)

For many centuries the use of ashes has symbolized repentance. Imposing ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead of the worshipper on Ash Wednesday is a vivid reminder that such a person has been redeemed by Christ the Crucified. It is a symbol, not primarily of our sins, but upon the forgiveness of them through faith in Jesus.

NOTE: Ash Wednesday is a somber time as we remember that Jesus willingly suffering and death come as a result of our sins and His love. As such, at the conclusion of worship that day, we will exit the church in silence.

May your observance of Ash Wednesday nurture your faith and inspire your daily witness to Christ.

JOIN US at 7:00 PM for WORSHIP!

Ash Wednesday is the first day in our new Sermon Series: “OPERATION FREEDOM: Be the Light.“ Read more here.