Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. This is a time of reflection and preparation as we make our way towards our observation of Maundy Thursday (when Christ instituted Holy Communion), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and Easter Sunday (the resurrection) as the culmination of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry and the focus of our faith and hope.
We will gather and worship at 6:30pm tomorrow, February 22. There will be a moment in our service called “the imposition of ashes.” At that time, you will have the opportunity to receive ashes in the sign of a cross, either upon your forehead or on the back of your hand, along with the words, “Dust you are, and to dust you will return.” We remember our mortality in recognition that our sinful nature and subsequent failings of thought, word, and deed that lead to our own eventual death. Those very same sins were laid upon Jesus and brought him to his death.
And this is good news: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:8-10).
Receiving ashes in the sign of the cross is a spiritual practice Christians have observed for centuries. Like other spiritual practices (such as fasting, meditating, praying, lighting candles, and sacrificial giving), it’s something Christians can do, not to earn God’s love or showcase our piety, but to intentionally and even physically reflect on the Word of God. Spiritual practices don’t manipulate God; they’re not a bargaining chip or a token of transaction. Rather, spiritual practices are embodied expressions of faith.
During or midweek services in March (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th) we will be meditating and praying on the penitential psalms; we will also be using the Holden Evening Prayer as our Order of Service. In addition to the Wednesday midweek services we’ll also have midweek soup suppers (5:30-6:15 in the Fellowship Hall) and worship services in the sanctuary at 6:30pm.
I hope to see you tomorrow evening and throughout this holy season as we journey together towards the cross and empty tomb.
Peace to you in Christ, our crucified and resurrected Savior!
Pastor Joel
Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023:
