Ash Wednesday | Ashes with Pastor Joe

What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection, repentance, and preparation leading to Easter. Many Christian traditions observe it, including Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches. The day serves as a time for individuals to pause, reflect on their lives, and set personal growth and renewal intentions.

What Do the Ashes Mean?
The ashes, typically placed on the forehead as a cross, symbolize humility, mortality, and a fresh start. They are often made by burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and serve as a reminder that life is temporary (“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”). For many, receiving ashes is a way to acknowledge personal growth, seek renewal, and focus on kindness, gratitude, and purpose in the weeks ahead.

This tradition is open to all who wish to take a moment to reflect, regardless of religious background. Whether you observe Ash Wednesday for faith-based reasons or as an opportunity to pause and set personal intentions, it’s a meaningful time for renewal and self-discovery.