Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. The first day of Lent marks the beginning of a period of reflection and penance. We begin the preparation for the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. The particular symbolism of ashes for this day comes from a practice in which the ashes from the palms used in the preceding year's Palm Sunday celebration are blessed. With these ashes pastors on the first day of Lent marks a cross on the forehead of each worshiper. Join us Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 pm or 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary as we gather in preparation of Lent.