From the Pastor ...
ASH WEDNESDAY
In the Western Christian church, Ash Wednesday is the 40th day before Easter, not counting Sundays. It is observed as the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting, repentance, and renewal. In many denominations the Pastor will place a cross of ashes on the forehead of the members of the church. The ashes are often taken from the burned remains of the palm branches of the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration.
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is referred to as Shrove (Fat) Tuesday because it was the last day to fill up on food (shroves-pancakes) before the fasting of the Lenten Season.
The Lenten Season is 40 days in length to remind us of our Lord's 40 days in the wilderness after His baptism. Although Ash Wednesday is not specifically mentioned in scripture, the practice of mourning and ashes in association with repentance has a number of references - 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.
At Redeemer Lutheran Church we follow the custom of the placing of ashes on the forehead, although the decision is up to the individual worshiper.
Our Ash Wednesday worship service is on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 7:00 p.m., and we sincerely encourage and welcome you to attend and begin this Lenten Season.