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ASH WEDNESDAY
Today is Ash Wednesday. It's a day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent. is a season during which we set aside time to open our hearts to God and create the time and space to set aside distractions and reflect on our need for a Savior. (There will be more information in Sunday's bulletin.)
The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. When the ashes are put on someone's head or hand, the person doing this will say "Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return." Being reminded of our mortality, helps us to see Jesus clearer in all his majesty, compassion, and love.
 
As we do not have a service today as many other churches do, I invite you to set aside some time reading Scripture and in prayer. Here are 3 suggested scripture readings. 
Our Creation.         Genesis 2:7
Our Curse:             Genesis 3:19
Our Cry of Repentance.    Psalm 51:7 - 10
Other verses you can read include:
Psalm 51 in its entirety is a good passage to read.
Ps 103:14
Acts 2:21
Romans 10: 9 - 10
Job 42: 5 - 6
Some questions you could ask yourself are: What is standing in the way of spending time with God?  What do I need to do to create time and space to spend with God. Are there particular sins Jesus is calling me to repent from?
A closing prayer you could use is
Heavenly Father, during this time of reflection I remember how you lived the life I ought to have lived. You showed us how to resist temptation during your time in the desert, and through the life you led here on earth. As this Lent season begins, remind me that I am but dust. I can do nothing without you. Help me to see the world through the eyes of those in the first Lent season, who awaited a Savior and awaited new life through you. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross, and help me to pray, reflect, and thank you. Amen.