Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

As we step into the season of Lent, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a sacred journey—a journey of reflection, repentance, and renewal. For centuries, Christians around the world have gathered on this day to receive the sign of the cross in ashes upon their foreheads, hearing the solemn reminder: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)

The Meaning Behind Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a day of deep spiritual significance. It calls us to pause and acknowledge our humanity, our imperfections, and our need for God’s grace. The ashes, made from the burned palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday, symbolize both our mortality and the hope of transformation. They remind us that, despite our shortcomings, God is always present, inviting us into a season of growth and renewal.

A Season of Preparation

Lent is a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter, modeled after Jesus’ time of fasting and prayer in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). It is a time for personal reflection, spiritual discipline, and drawing closer to God. Many Christians observe Lent by fasting, giving something up, or taking on new practices that deepen their faith—whether through prayer, acts of service, or intentional study of Scripture.

Participating in Ash Wednesday

At Family of Faith UMC, we honor this sacred day with a time of worship, prayer, and the imposition of ashes. This service is a chance to come together as a community, to center ourselves, and to begin this holy season with open hearts. Whether you have observed Ash Wednesday for years or are experiencing it for the first time, we invite you to join us in this moment of reflection and grace. Services this year will be in combination with First UMC, Wedgewood UMC and South Arlington UMC. Join us at 12pm at South Arlington UMC or 7pm at Wedgewood UMC for our Ash Wednesday service.

As we embark on this Lenten journey, may we embrace the opportunity to renew our faith, seek God's presence, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Let this be a season of transformation, where we draw nearer to the love and hope that God offers to us all.