Ash Wednesday Service
February 18th
7pm
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a sacred journey that invites us into reflection, renewal, and transformation. While Lent has often been reduced to simply giving things up, its deeper intention is far more expansive. Lent is not ultimately about penitence or fasting as an end in themselves, but about a change of life—a reorientation of the heart—and learning how to truly rest in Christ.
Fasting and letting go of habits can be meaningful practices, but they are only the means, not the goal. The true aim of Lent is transformation. It is an invitation to loosen our grip on self-centeredness, to release the habit of measuring everything by our needs and feelings, and to become more caring, compassionate, and whole.
Lent is about a radical change of mind and heart. It is learning to see the world as God sees it. It is the slow, faithful work of becoming—becoming renewed, becoming free, becoming whole. In the language of the early Church, it is a journey toward holiness, not as perfection, but as wholeness and maturity in love.
On Ash Wednesday, we gather for a Night of Worship centered on Scripture, prayer, silence, and song. During the service, you are invited to receive the mark of ashes on your forehead, an ancient sign that reminds us of our humanity, our need for grace, and our deep belonging to God. The ashes are not a symbol of shame, but of honesty, humility, and hope.
As we step into this season, we are invited to rest—to step away from the relentless pull of hurry, consumption, and striving. This kind of rest makes space for renewal, fosters life-giving rhythms, and reshapes prayer from performance into relationship. In resting, we acknowledge our limits while trusting the finished work of Christ.
Transformation and rest belong together.
May this season form us into people for whom kindness, mercy, and love become second nature.
May we rest deeply in Christ—today and beyond.
You are welcome to join us as we begin the Lenten journey together.
7pm
Ash Wednesday 2026
@ Word of Life Ministry
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a sacred journey that invites us into reflection, renewal, and transformation. While Lent has often been reduced to simply giving things up, its deeper intention is far more expansive. Lent is not ultimately about penitence or fasting as an end in themselves, but about a change of life—a reorientation of the heart—and learning how to truly rest in Christ.
Fasting and letting go of habits can be meaningful practices, but they are only the means, not the goal. The true aim of Lent is transformation. It is an invitation to loosen our grip on self-centeredness, to release the habit of measuring everything by our needs and feelings, and to become more caring, compassionate, and whole.
Lent is about a radical change of mind and heart. It is learning to see the world as God sees it. It is the slow, faithful work of becoming—becoming renewed, becoming free, becoming whole. In the language of the early Church, it is a journey toward holiness, not as perfection, but as wholeness and maturity in love.
On Ash Wednesday, we gather for a Night of Worship centered on Scripture, prayer, silence, and song. During the service, you are invited to receive the mark of ashes on your forehead, an ancient sign that reminds us of our humanity, our need for grace, and our deep belonging to God. The ashes are not a symbol of shame, but of honesty, humility, and hope.
As we step into this season, we are invited to rest—to step away from the relentless pull of hurry, consumption, and striving. This kind of rest makes space for renewal, fosters life-giving rhythms, and reshapes prayer from performance into relationship. In resting, we acknowledge our limits while trusting the finished work of Christ.
Transformation and rest belong together.
May this season form us into people for whom kindness, mercy, and love become second nature.
May we rest deeply in Christ—today and beyond.
You are welcome to join us as we begin the Lenten journey together.