Ash Wednesday

Through the centuries, Christians have carefully prepared for Easter with spiritual practices and a recommitment to our faith. We call this forty-day season of preparation Lent – a time for growing in our faith through repentance, fellowship, prayer, fasting, and giving. It is a time to search our souls by reflecting and taking stock. Some Christians mark the Lenten season by “giving up” a specific food or something to which particularly attached to. Others add a new spiritual discipline or practice to their lives. In whatever way you choose to observe Lent, the season is designed to help followers of Christ understand God’s redemptive act through Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday (February 22) is the official beginning of Lent. On this day of penitence, ashes are placed on our forehead to represent our mortality. They are placed in the sign of the cross to remind us that as Christians we die in Christ and are saved by His amazing grace. We are providing three opportunities for you to embrace the sacred meaning of this holy day and receive the ashes on your forehead to begin your Lenten journey.
• 6:30-9:00 am – Parking Lot Prayers and Ashes
• 7:00-8:00 am – Drop in Ashes at Rutland Memorial Chapel
• 6:00-7:00 pm – Traditional Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary