posted Mar 4, 2014, 9:23 AM by Russell D. Hampton
Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as
we begin our journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. The lectionary readings appointed for the day
of Ash Wednesday (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10;
and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21) remind us “now is the acceptable time to return to
the Lord.” During Lent, the people of
God are called to reflect on the meaning of their baptism into Christ’s death
and resurrection. The sign of ashes
suggests our human mortality and frailty, but the ashes also invite us to make
each day a new beginning as we are washed in God’s mercy and forgiveness.
There will be two opportunities to worship on
Ash Wednesday. There will be a spoken
liturgy with Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes at noon. A traditional liturgy with Holy Communion and
the Imposition of Ashes will be held at 7 p.m.
Both services will be held at First English Lutheran Church on Wednesday,
March 5th. |
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