ASH WEDNESDAY

LENT BEGINS FEBRUARY 22, 2012

As we approach the season of Lent, we are reminded that the word Lent means springtime. Here in the coldest part of the year, we are invited to step into a period of preparation, reflection, growth, and change. Lent is a springtime for our souls, a time to open ourselves to God’s still voice, to discern what God is calling us to do. It is a time to examine the quality of our commitment to Christ, to learn from Christ’s example how to deepen our relationship with God. Lent is a time to rid our lives of the burden of sins, accumulated as we go through the simple business of daily life: sins of unkindness, dishonesty, inaction, etc. Lent is a time to take notice, to do better.

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ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE FEBRUARY 22 at 7:30 p.m.

An Ash Wednesday service, will be held in Bradford Lewis Hall. It is a perfect time to enter this deep and thoughtful season of Lent. There will be candlelight and quiet music; there will be words of welcome and introduction; there will be time for prayer and reflection; there will be stations with a focus on clay, water, oil, or ashes; there will be cards with scripture passages, a reflection and a hands on action for each element. Following the meditation time, we will join together in a short service including song, a responsive reading, and the use of ashes.

Everyone in our church family is invited. No one is too young or too old to leap into spring, to listen for God’s voice and to commit to growing closer and trusting in God.