AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR ASH WEDNESDAY **
We believe in God who, from dust and nothingness, brought forth this earth, and all that dwell hereon. Light and dark, are the special effects God has chosen to reveal the awesome colors of creation as each day begins and ends.
We believe in Jesus the beloved Son of God, begotten to love, teach, free, heal and save humankind. He sought to show all people how best to love God and one another.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, God’s companion-gift sent to warm our hearts, walk by our side, and give us the language of glory to honor God all the days of our life. This Spirit invites us to dance the dance of transformation and sing songs of thanks and praise to the One who loves us without reservation.
We believe in the Church that gathers our hearts as one prodding us, by the truth of Christ’s resurrection, to serve God and work for good. Thanks be to God.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we come before you on this Ash Wednesday as those seeking transformation. As we journey through the next 40 days help us understand what it means to be intentional disciples of Jesus. Try us and challenge us to find time to attend to one spiritual discipline. May these 40 days be for us a time to discover a deeper faith. Help us, gracious Lord, to stay the course, knowing that our spiritual muscles will be stronger for participating in a pious exercise. If we fast, keep us alert. If we wait upon another, let us find in our service the true meaning of discipleship. Our investment of time and spiritual energy in the days ahead will determine the richness of the fruit of our labors. Let us not be distracted by doubt or thrown off course, by the demands of the world. Let not our best efforts be thwarted by weakness or frustration. Oh patient one, empower us to love with a heart like Jesus, to wait upon you with the same trust as Jesus and to accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our dearest Abba Father, in heaven; your name we hallow above all. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask no more than our daily bread and that you forgive our trespasses, empowering us to forgive those who trespass against us. Let us not be overcome by the temptations of this world, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
PREPARING OUR OFFERING
The season of Lent is a time for turning to God and taking a look at ourselves in the mirror God holds before us. Lent is a good time to reflect on how much of ourselves we have invested in our relationship with God. Lent is not meant to be a time of listing our sins, mistakes and regrets. Neither is it a time for us to obsess over failures or beat ourselves up. Lent is an opportunity to become better followers of Jesus; a time for honing our spirituality. It is always a season of decision; so I invite you to decide. Choose a spiritual discipline to practice for the next 6 weeks. Take 30 minutes apart from your regular day, at least three times a week to pray, or fast, read the scriptures, or wait upon someone else. Write down what you will do on the card in your bulletin and, carry it with you to remind you of your decision on this journey through the 40 days of Lent.
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