AUMC

Lent, the period of 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays), begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday, the evening before Easter.

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During Lent, we enter into a season of preparation, self-reflection and repentance when we seek to literally “turn around” and realign our lives and focus toward God. It is a time to give up things as well as take on new life-giving practices, helping us rid ourselves of distractions and our own selfish desires. By doing so, we seek to live and love as more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

 

At Anthony United Methodist Church, Lent begins with the imposition of ashes service on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  In the Bible, sprinkling oneself with ashes was traditionally a sign of one's sorrow for having committed sins.

 

In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday also marked the beginning of preparation for the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. The particular symbolism of ashes for this day comes from a practice in which the ashes from the palms used in the preceding year's Palm Sunday celebration are blessed. With these ashes, the pastor marks a cross on the forehead of each worshiper. 

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During Lent, symbols are displayed at the altar including a palm branch, coins, cross, crown of thorns, pitcher, bowl, and towel, wheat and grapes.