Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are no longer the perfect creations that God placed in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve chose to be less than perfect. They chose to sin. As a result, from dust were they created and to dust (or ash) they would return. Like Adam and Eve, we are less than perfect. We are sinners, and the only way we can now approach God is humbly and in repentance. In the Old Testament, God’s people would wear sackcloth and ashes as a sign of repentance, remembering that the wages of sin is ultimately death. This evening, we begin our Lenten journey also with ashes as a sign of our sorrow for our sin; however, we do not remain in sorrow, as we have the joy of forgiveness given us by Christ’s death on the cross and received in the Lord’s Supper.
Tonight, we will offer the imposition of ashes to those who desire to participate in this historic and Biblical practice of God’s people. During our time of silent, private confession, you may come forward as directed by the ushers to receive ashes. There will be a pastor or elder available to place ashes upon your forehead. If you do not desire to receive the imposition of ashes, simply continue to kneel or sit in private confession. Each person’s decision on whether or not to participate is a personal one and will be respected.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (ESV)
Weekly midweek Lenten meals will be in the fellowship hall at 6:00 pm.
Lenten worship will follow in the Sanctuary at 6:45 pm.