Our Lenten journey begins on March 6th with Ash Wednesday. During worship you will be invited to come forward and receive ashes on your forehead in the sign of the cross. The ashes are a sign or symbol of repentance, of turning back to God. Using ashes is “an ancient practice, often mentioned in the Bible (e.g., Jonah 3:5-9; Job 42:6; Jeremiah 6:26; Matthew 11:21)” (source: “Why and How we use ashes?” from elca.org). As we receive the ashes we are mindful of our humanity, and our utter need for God to continually make us new.
Each Wednesday following March 6, we will be digging into God’s Word and exploring how to pray. Prayer is listening and speaking with God in countless ways. We will be praying through scripture, silence, song, movement, art, words and so much more. God calls us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Come and experience new ways to do so!
I am praying that this Lenten Season is one of life change through Christ; that God would be growing all of us as people who enjoy, love and share God’s love with others. Please join me in this prayer and in this Lenten Season each Wednesday at 12:10 or 6:30 p.m. at Immanuel.
You are BELOVED of God! Thanks be to God for you!
—Pastor Bree Truax
815-625-3575 office
360-989-4906 cell