Tonight we will gather in the sanctuary and as a congregation sing, “Dust and ashes touch our face”; it’s haunting melody and stirring words remind us of the struggles and challenges of keeping faith in our day to day living. This is the day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent. I grew up as a member of the United Church. It was common to have Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday but very few if any United Churches held Ash Wednesday services. That was considered too Catholic for our taste! Thankfully, over the last few decades, the United Church has come to appreciate the value of ritual and has embraced services that are primarily ritual in nature. There is something very profound about having someone touch my forehead with the mark of the ashes; reminding me of the brevity and sacredness of life.

Ash Wednesday is the day we begin our Lenten journey. I love the messages of the Ash Wednesday service. The readings are about confession and repentance, forgiveness and keeping faith. It is a day of fresh starts and new beginnings. It is a day to go deeper with God.

So ….. what are you giving up for Lent? That is a common question this week. Giving up something (coffee, drinking, chocolate) or taking up something (exercise, meditation, journaling) to improve lifestyle are good ways to start better daily habits. Are you going to change your habits for these six weeks of Lent? And, if so, do you think it will deepen your faith?