Ash Wednesday

Join as for one of our Ash Wednesday services.

12 pm: in-person in the sanctuary
6:30pm: in person in the sanctuary or online

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. In 2021, Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 17 and is always 46 days before Easter (not counting Sundays) and calls our hearts to repentance, prayer and reflection as we focus on the life of Christ, his ministry, sacrifice and resurrection. Traditionally the 40-day period represents the time of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness where he fasted, prayed and endured Satan’s temptation for ’40 days and 40 nights’. (Matthew 4:1-11)

During our worship you will be invited to receive ashes on your forehead as our pastors dip their fingers into the ashes and spread them in a cross pattern on the forehead saying “from dust you came and from dust you will return.” The ashes are equivalent to dust reminding us that our flesh is composed of dust or clay (Genesis 2:7) and that at our death the body returns to dust or ash.

The ashes that are used have been prepared by burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday when worshippers were given palms to wave as they shouted, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! reminding us of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem as palm branches were laid in his path.

Our response in coming forward to receive ashes is one of confession and one of recognition that our faults are in need of correction and forgiveness and that if we remain faithful this season of Lent will help us to grow in holiness so that we will be ready to celebrate the Easter joy to come!