Greetings Monticello UMC,
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a period of 40 days (which is actually 46...we'll talk about that in Sunday worship). During this time period, Christians throughout the world prepare their hearts and minds for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Often times, people make a decision to "give up" something during Lent. This year, I would encourage you to "NOT give up" one thing--worship. I would encourage you, as you are able, to do what my family and I will do and decide to be in worship each and every week and pray God will use that worship time to speak to your heart this Lent.
Ash Wednesday worship serves as the beginning of Lent and will take place tonight at 7:00pm in the sanctuary. This will be a holy time where we acknowledge our sin before God and receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads in ashes. But, Ash Wednesday is about so much more than sin. It's about the greatest gift of all--forgiveness and grace.
So, join us tonight for this Holy evening where we begin preparing our hearts and minds for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I hope to see you in worship.
Blessings to you during this holy time,
Pastor Rob
PS: (Choir, you arrive at 6:10pm and will wear robes. Praise Band, you arrive at 5:30pm and wear solid black. Tech Team, you arrive at 5:45pm and wear solid black. All other worship volunteers should arrive by 6:30pm.)
