Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting, and repentance. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants to either the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ash Wednesday marks the start of a 40-day period called Lent which alludes to when Jesus separated himself in the desert to fast and pray. During this time, he was tempted. (Matthew 4:1–11, Mark 1:12–13, and Luke 4:1–13).

Pastor Terri, w/ Elders Allen and Malone, serving Communion at the Lord’s Table

Ashes were used in ancient times to express grief. Christians continued the practice of using ashes as an external sign of repentance. Many Christian denominations emphasize fasting, as well as abstinence during the season of Lent and in particular Ash Wednesday, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and abstaining from a luxury that they will not partake in until Easter Sunday arrives.

Shepherd Park Christian Church (SPCC) will provide an Ash Wednesday service to our community with the sanctuary set for communion and prayer. Please join us for our drop-in service, where you can come for quiet meditation, prayer, communion and receive the ashes.