united methodist authorized imposition ashes

UM Com munications staff writer Joe Iovino offers some good suggestions in “ 10 ideas for a more meaningful Ash Wednesday. Lent is not a time to “just say no,” but to also say “yes” in embracing new commitments and a new life in Christ who makes all things new. On Ash Wednesday, it is important to look beyond the day and consider the season, to draw needed strength from today’s worship for tomorrow’s witness, and to ponder not only what we give up but also what we take on. (There are 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday excluding Sundays.) Some will continue to attend midweek Lenten services through Holy Week, until Easter. Many Christians will celebrate today in worship that includes the imposition of ashes on their foreheads.

Resources for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-BeingĪsh Wednesday is the first day of the holy season of Lent, when we commemorate Jesus’ 40 days of preparatory self-denial, including sacrificial fasting, in the wilderness.

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The Fasting Feast of Lentįast from discontent, and feast on gratitude.Īnd feast on divine order by trusting in God.įast from complaining, and feast on affirmatives.įast from hostility, and feast on non-resistance.įast from discouragement, and feast on hope.įast from lethargy, and feast on enthusiasm.ĭuring each Sunday of Lent, we will be taking a journey with Jesus on his final week before the resurrection according to the gospel of Mark. Please come begin your journey of Lent by attending this service on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. During the Ash Wednesday evening service, the imposition of ashes on the forehead in the sign of the cross is offered to show an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance of sins. Ultimately, we are to prepare for Easter by dying and rising with Christ for it is through Christ that God’s saving grace is demonstrated. We are to put aside our sins and failures of the past in the light of who we are yet to become by the grace of God. Ash Wednesday has two emphases: confronting our own mortality and confessing our sin before God in light of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ. Join Us for Ash Wednesday Service Wednesday, February 14, 2018Īsh Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.

United methodist authorized imposition ashes