Ash Wednesday Worship (noon and 7pm)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road, Houston, TX US 77058
Join us on February 22nd at noon in our Chapel or 7pm in the Worship Center as we enter into the Season of Lent with the imposition of ashes.
The Season of Lent is a forty day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. During the forty days of Lent, it is customary for Christians to read God’s Word daily while reflecting on the gift of God’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins through His Son Jesus Christ. This forty day period is a time of personal renewal and reflection through spiritual disciplines such as “fasting” as we prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday, April 8th.
Why do we impose ashes? The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a medieval custom that symbolizes penance. Penance was a medieval practice of placing an individual under discipline due to a sin they committed. Although, we don’t practice penance in the Lutheran tradition we use the period of Lent to affirm that we are sinners and in need of God’s grace through Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross for us. Therefore, we impose ashes on worshipers at Ash Wednesday Service in the form of a cross. We use the forty day period for spiritual renewal and asking God to re-create us into the image of His Son. Christians may enter into a time of spiritual disciplines during Lent to help them grow into a great reflection of the image of Christ in their personal lives.
~~~~~
The Holy Smokers will be serving seafood gumbo and chicken & sausage gumbo one hour before worship services. Come enjoy the great fellowship and delicious food. $5 per bowl suggested donation.
