Ash Wednesday

My oldest child, Matthew, had the MOST "Why" questions of any kid I knew.  Including all the kids I learned from in 35+ years of ministry!   

His curiosity gave me more opportunities to learn because I had to think how to match his unquenchable curiosity and always-evolving ability to understand.   

This coming Sunday, Feb. 22, our kids will be learning in Sunday School about the Season of Lent which begins THIS week on Ash Wednesday.  In our March 8th and 22nd Sunday School sessions,  they will learn at age-appropriate levels about Holy Week.

In the meantime, here are a couple of answers to consider should you be asked by a curious child about that smudge of black they saw on someone's forehead or hand this Wednesday.

Question:  Why does that person have a black spot on his/her forehead?  

Answer:  That smudge is meant to be a cross, a symbol of Jesus' love for us.

Question:  Why is it black? 

Because ashes remind us that we will all die - our bodies will stop working - but that we will ALWAYS belong to God and be LOVED by God.

We hope to see you tomorrow at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and then the worship service on Wednesday at 7 pm.

Oh, here's one more question for you!

Why should I come to worship on Wednesday?

 My personal answer....

"Because turning to the restoring heart of God who love us unconditionally begins our Lenten experience of community with Christ."

In the joy and peace of Christ,

Pastor Elaine