Observing the Circle of Life: From Penitence to Genesis - a New Beginning

Ash Wednesday Service at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa

The imposition of ashes is an ancient penitence ritual that marks the beginning of Lent, the Christian observance of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert.  Worshipers receive ashes - a sign of the cross on the forehead, along with this reminder from Genesis 3:19:  “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”   If it feels weighty, it should.  It’s a beautiful recollection of God’s creative act in Genesis – drawing us full circle to our very origins and reminding us of the circle of life.  Formed from “dust,” we return to the earth…but that, too, is a moment of genesis, of a new beginning.

The people of the United Church of Christ of La Mesa invite you to share the start of the Lenten Journey on March 5, 2014.  A simple soup supper will be served in Friendship Hall at 5:30pm, followed by silent prayer in the Sanctuary at 6:45pm and a worship service and the imposition of ashes from 7:00 – 8:00pm.  Choirs from a number of area churches will enrich the service with their music.

The church is at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (619-464-1519, www.ucclm.org).  UCCLM is an Open & Affirming congregation:  All are welcome!