iHOPE

Ash Wednesday: What to Expect

We are celebrating Ash Wednesday tonight at New Hope. In my last post I talked about why we are having and Ash Wednesday Service (see below). In this post, I wanted to explain what you can expect if you come to tonight’s service. If you have never been an Ash Wednesday service (and didn’t think Presbyterians even celebrated it!), then this will be helpful. Even if you have been to services in other traditions, you might find this useful, too. By the way, we begin at 7:00 and the service lasts about an hour.

It’s a Quiet Service

Ash Wednesday is a somber service- not morose, but quiet.  It is a time to reflect on our own lives and to focus on the journey of discipleship. The music is reflective, the lighting will be low, we won’t use our screens and there will be times for silent reflection.

It’s a Communion Service

Christ meets us in our brokenness. That is why we celebrate communion on Ash Wednesday.  As always, Communion at New Hope is open to any who profess a need for Christ and his grace in their lives.  As we usually do, communion will be celebrated by people coming forward and participating (it’s called intinction).

Ash Wednesday- What's THAT About?!

Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, February 22. Like we did last year, we’ll have a service at 7:00 pm. Like last year, there are bound to be a few folks who say, “Ash Wednesday- I thought that was for Catholics!” Ash Wednesday is actually observed by many denominations- including Presbyterians. It’s true, we haven’t had a special service until last year, and it may not be for you. But here are some reasons why some people find this to be a powerful way to connect with God and deepen their faith:

Prayer Workshop: Saturday @ 9:00 am!

The Prayer Workshop is coming this Saturday! Many people have asked for more information using the Connection Cards, and I've responded by email. I also thought I would post the information here for anyone else who is thinking about attending.

 

Here are a few things to know:

This Should Be Interesting

Ever felt like this?

You start out thinking you don't need much in life to make you  happy. Just a few things, and that's it.

Then, maybe a few things more.

Before you know it, you have more stuff that you know what to do with. Your closets are full. Your basement, too. You have a three car garage- and there isn't enough room for your cars.  You have a storage unit. Maybe two. You're thinking about getting another- or larger, one.

You've got stuff. In fact, you sometimes wonder if you have your stuff- or if your stuff has you. At some point, you may even feel…like a jerk.

Come to the (New) Table

The Communion Table is one of the most powerful symbols we have in the Christian Faith.

Not unlike the dining table in our homes, it is where we gather, mark moments, are nurtured and reminded of who we are. At the Communion Table, we are also reminded of the price that was paid for us to become a new creation.

This Sunday marks our first time we gather for Communion around a new Table. It has been in the sanctuary for the past four Sundays, but this will be the first week we partake from it. It is the gift of several families in our congregation. It is meant to complete and complement the Cross and the Baptismal Font.