Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin. – Psalm 51
In the earliest years of the Christian church, the days before Easter were an intense period of fasting, silence, and contemplation. It was also a time for instruction, meditation and a focus on the teachings of Jesus. Penitents dressed in sackcloth with ashes sprinkled over their heads.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season when we acknowledge our individual failings and pray for the forgiveness of our sin. We embark on this journey knowing that it ends at the empty tomb. We mark ourselves with ashes at the beginning, knowing that Christ will overcome the power of death.
For those who wish to begin their Lenten journey by receiving the sacrament of communion, followed by the imposition of ashes, the sanctuary will be open from 11 am until 4 pm and then again from 7:30 pm until 8:30 pm. Rev. Huston will be present in the sanctuary to pray with you, share the bread and cup with you, and mark you with ashes. There is no formal worship service so you can come at a time that is convenient for you.
