Date: March 2, 2022

Bible Text: Joel 2:1-2, 11-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 |

Lent is the season of spiritual preparation for the feast of Easter, and it begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent lasts for 40 days -- seven weeks, but Sundays don't count! -- reminding us of the forty days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness before starting his public ministry. So Lent is also a season of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. We begin with ashes, an ancient symbol of penance and a reminder of our mortality. It's a somber day, calling disciples to take seriously Jesus' invitation to die to self and to live for him.

We will offer the imposition of ashes for those present in the sanctuary. If you would like to participate virtually, and you got a Lenten bag last year and kept the packet of ashes, then you're all set! If not, you'll need a small bit of ash (or a substitute like soot, dirt, or soil) and a drop or two of oil. If you don't have any such things, that's okay. You can participate symbolically.

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