February 18, 2015 Ash Wednesday

A Service for Ash Wednesday


Greeting                                                                                                              Rev. Mark CR

Worship Song: “Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary”

Opening Scripture: Joel 2:12-17                                                                         Reader

Introduction                                                                                                         Rev. Lisa CR

Scripture: Matthew 6:7-18                                                                                   Reader

Meditation    “Refreshing Waters of Encouragement”                                        Rev. Mark CR                   
Prayer of Confession:                                                                                           Unison
God, this is a hard time.
The focus of Lent is on the pain and suffering
of Jesus and our own need for penitence.
It is a time of gathering darkness.
But we would rather skip this part and go
straight to Easter.
We would rather ignore the suffering—
in you and in the world—
and avoid the hard work of true self-examination.
Forgive us for wanting this to be bright and painless and easy,
when we know that Jesus did not take the easy way,
but chose the path of the Cross.
Teach us the true meaning of penitence,
so that we use this Lenten season
to humbly seek a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
We pray in the name Jesus Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness                                                                                     Rev. Lisa CR
The truth is this: God’s love and mercy are never-ending. God knows us in our inward being; God cleanses us from our sins and shortcomings, and restores to us the joy of salvation.
— written by Jeanyne Slettom in A Service of Ashes.  Posted on the Process and Faith website.

Worship Song: “Spirit of the Living God”

Ashes and Oil
Come forward to receive the sign of the cross on your hand or forehead.

Waters of Remembrance
Touch the water to remember or look forward to your baptism.

Scripture: II Corinthians 5:18-6:2                                                                           Reader

Commissioning                                                                                             Revs. Lisa & Mark CR
                                        Pretzels-Prayer & Study
                                       Cross-Fasting & Discipline
                                        RAK Clothes Pins-Works of Love & Service       

Benediction                                                                                                              Rev. Lisa CR