“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”
A chance to reset, refocus, preparing for the joy of Easter.
Ash Wednesday started in the early church somewhere around the 1st - 4th century, as form of public repentance through the sprinkling of ashes. Nowadays, in Ash Wednesday services, the Priest marks people's foreheads with ashes. (The ash is created by the burning of last year's palm crosses) This is a symbol of humility and of our mortality.
The words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, originate from the book of Genesis, when God tells Adam that his life (as ours), is temporary, but turning to God offers something eternal.
In Medieval times, there was strict fasting, however, these days it's a bit more flexible. Some, rather than 'stopping', take an approach to do more of something, such as daily prayer, volunteering or acts of kindness.
What ever route you take, take time for you and God this Lent.
As ever, a warm welcome awaits for anyone who wishes to come along.