Although it is only the beginning of February, the turning of the seasons is in the air.
In the church year, the turning of the seasons is not only in the air but it is upon us. This Wednesday, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we will gather for worship and hear, along with a sooty cross marked on our foreheads, these words: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
These are humbling words to hear, but they are also good for us to hear, for they are said to us in the knowledge and hope and promise that, in the cross, Jesus has conquered sin and death and removed their lasting impact. To dust we shall return but to eternal life God promises us.
We have two Ash Wednesday services: noon and 6 pm.
The noon service is followed by a soup lunch, while the 6 pm service is preceded by a soup dinner. Come and be fed!
Ash Wednesday is also the start of a Wednesday focus on the Seven Last Words of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Lent has traditionally been a season of preparation—a season in which a little extra attention is given to matters of faith. If you are not already a Wednesday worshipper, know that you are invited to make it a part of your Lent and this season leading up to Easter.
On staff, we are in a new season, too, welcoming Ryan Woods to our Children, Youth, and Family team as the new Director of Youth Ministries. Introduce yourself to Ryan. He is not new to Gloria Dei, but he is new to this position; we are glad to have him on staff!
In our reading through the Gospel of Mark, we are in chapters 8 and 9.
Have a great weekend! See you at Gloria Dei.
Pastor Heidi
