Ash Wednesday

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the Snow

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18, with the Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 pm with Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.  The name is taken from the ancient tradition of placing ashes on  the foreheads of penitents. The use of ashes is connected with the Old Testament tradition of penitence, but ashes are also one of the universal symbols of repentance and renewal.   The Imposition of Ashes will be done while the congregation and cantor chant Psalm 51.

Communion on Ash Wednesday is by intinction.  Communicants are asked to extend both hands to form a manger to receive Christ’s body and blood.  Both Pastor April Larson and Pastor Marion Pruitt-Jefferson will be officiating. Paraments and Gates for Ash Wednesday are purple, the color of penitence and a reminder of the royalty of Christ who reigns from the cross.