This Wednesday, March 1st, we will gather with congregants from Hope Presbyterian at the Old Church for our annual Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 as we enter into the season of Lent. The service will last about 45 minutes.

A unique feature of this service is the marking of the forehead with ashes in the sign of the cross. Since at least the 10th century this practice has been used to symbolize the frailty of our human existence and the ‘dust and debris’ in our lives (thus the name Ash Wednesday.) As we come forward for the imposition of ashes, the minister traditionally recites the words of Genesis 3:19 "You are dust, and to dust you shall return" representing our humanity and finite nature. (Note: anyone who is uncomfortable with the imposition of ashes may remain seated during this portion of the service so please attend whether or not you're comfortable receiving the ashes.)