Ash Wednesday – Marking the start of Lent
Our Ash Wednesday service this year is at 12.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Powick. Join us to literally mark the start of Lent.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season–a season that begins with dust and ashes–an ancient tradition, symbolizing our humility before God. The Ash Wednesday liturgy calls us to see ourselves as we truly are; to reflect on our attitudes, actions, and priorities; and to return to God through penitence and prayer. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a 40-day journey – a journey from brokenness to restoration; from darkness to light; from fear to love; from mourning to celebration; and from ashes to joy.
In one of the readings appointed for Ash Wednesday, from the Prophet Joel, God proclaims; “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2: 12-13). Lent is all about returning to God–a God who desires to be in relationship with us.
Are you feeling distanced or disconnected from God?
Are you as close to Him as you want to be?
Do you need to draw closer to Him?
Do you need to return to God this Lent?
This Lent, God invites us to come home to Him – to receive His restoring grace and feel His loving embrace.
The choice is yours. How are you going to spend the next 40 days?
Every Blessing – Rev Gary