Ash Wednesday

This week, we’ll offer our community-friendly Ash Wednesday services in the Chapel for the tenth year in a row.

Several years ago, it was almost unheard of for Baptist churches to hold Ash Wednesday services. Things have changed, however, as today there is an increasing number of what one pastor recently called “Ashy Baptists.”

Our services use Scripture as our liturgy, accompanied by hymns, spiritual songs, and reflection. The marking of ashes is totally optional, and anyone is welcome to simply come and participate in the service.

Ashes, along with sackcloth, are the most common signs of repentance throughout Scripture. We think of Job, David, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. Paul uses this image in Romans 12 with the talk of “heaping hot coals on their heads.” The 40 days of Lent, usually accompanied with a fast of some kind, represent Jesus’ fasting and temptation by Satan during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Luke 4). The applying of ashes to the forehead (from Palm Sunday branches) is a traditional part of the service to “mark” the beginning of a season of fasting and reflection on Christ’s death.

The roots of Lent date back to some of the earliest days of the Church. Lent is observed with anticipation of our celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. As thousands of Christians from all over the world will start observing the Lenten season often accompanied by a period of fasting, we also will join in a time of deep reflection and repentance with anticipation of our celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Rather than reflecting on Christ’s death and resurrection for a day or even a week, Ash Wednesday and Lent give us the opportunity to consider the work of Christ with more discipline for a full 40 days.

I hope you will join us for one of the services. If you cannot, make a note to pray for these services and all who will participate—
including many visitors!