A service of Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes.
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with this service.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of lent. Everyone is invited as we begin this journey together!
In the Old Testament people donned sackcloth and ashes as a sign of their repentance. During the Ash Wednesday service the ashes of last year’s palm crosses are mixed with holy oil. The priest then uses these to make the mark of the cross on each member of the congregation’s forehead. The cross is usually left on the forehead until it wears of naturally. This is an outward symbol to the world around us of our repentance as we begin lent.
By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities.
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