March 5th | 6:30 PM
What is
Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Christian season known as Lent. Lent is the season of fasting and self-denial observed by Lutherans, and many other Christians, in the days preceding Easter Sunday each year. The word “Lent” comes from an old English word meaning “lengthening days,” with the Lenten season consisting of forty fast days as days lengthen in early spring. Since Easter’s date moves each year based on the lunar calendar, Lent’s dates vary from year to year. However, each year it begins on Ash Wednesday, which occurs sometime in February or early March. Ash Wednesday services at Salem are on February 22nd at 6:30 pm in the Chapel.
Ash Wednesday services are open to everyone.
Ash Wednesday
Services at Salem
Ash Wednesday services at Salem are somber and include beautiful meditative music interwoven with the word of God.
Ash Wednesday isn’t a cheerful celebration. But if we take it seriously, Ash Wednesday can be the beginning of a changed life.
Are you ready for more? A deeper faith, a stronger community, and a closer relationship with God?
Please JOIN US on February 14th at 6:30 pm in our Chapel.
Why Ashes?
Many non-Lutherans wonder why their Lutheran friends or family members wear ashes on their forehead at the beginning of Lent. Are they showing off? Are they trying to stand out? Is it some weird secret church ritual? What does it mean? Should I get them too?
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There are three reasons why Lutherans go to church to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. First, the ashes remind people of their sinfulness. Second, the ashes remind people of their mortality. Third, the ashes remind people that they have been redeemed.
