Join Us for Worship on Ash Wednesday

Join us for Ash Wednesday worship this Wednesday February 10 at 7:00 p.m.  IMG_1846

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent.  At Redeemer, we commemorate this special day with Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes, a solemn rite in which a cross of ashes is traced on each person’s forehead — a visible, public reminder of our need for repentance and forgiveness. This ancient symbol reminds us of our mortality, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” In receiving words of forgiveness, the cross is also a sign of renewal, reminding us of the coming season of Easter.

The symbolism here is significant.  Originally, dust on the forehead indicated that one had bowed his or her head all the way to the ground in repentance and prayer before God.  During Lent, we acknowledge our need of repentance, of “turning around” those habits, opinions and words that separate us from God and one another.

For the five weeks of Lent that follow Ash Wednesday, we will gather each Wednesday for fellowship and a meal at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  A Lenten Vespers service follows the meal at 6:45.  All are welcome!