Wednesday 18th February is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. We have a service at 6pm, which is when Silence in the City usually occurs, but on Ash Wednesday, we will have a communion service with “imposition of ashes” and music.
The season of Lent lasts for forty days (not including Sundays). It is a time when Christians reflect and prepare for the celebrations of Easter. Some people fast, eat frugally or give up treats following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness.
People also give to charity, set aside time to study the Bible and meet with other Christians to reflect on Jesus’ life and prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
In Church we have a selection of books that people might like to borrow to read during Lent. Just pop in and ask.
The Church of England has produced some good resources for Lent which you can see here: https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-and-easter/draw-near-life-giving-habits-lent or you could use the Everyday Faith app which you can find here: https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/exploring-faith/everyday-faith
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Ashes made from palm crosses are blessed and are used to make crosses on people’s foreheads. The custom dates back to the middle ages.
Ash Wednesday services set the tone for Lent, with sombre readings and hymns and a focus on penitence (saying sorry for and turning away from sin).
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.”
Here’s a prayer for Lent:
Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel St, Salford 