Memory Verse – Genesis 3:19 “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”
With the canellation of the Ash Wednesday Service, due to weather, we are including Pastor’s detailed message for you to read here:
Ash Wednesday: A Call to Repentance, Reflection, and Renewal
Today we gather for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a 40-day journey of repentance, fasting, and preparation for Easter. It is a time when we pause to reflect on our mortality, recognize our sinfulness, and turn our hearts back to God’s mercy.
This day is marked by a simple yet profound act—receiving ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. These ashes symbolize three important truths:
- We are mortal—our earthly lives are temporary.
- We are sinners—in need of repentance and God’s grace.
- We are called to renewal—to turn our hearts fully back to God.
As we reflect on these truths, let us meditate on three key messages from today’s scripture readings:
- The symbolism of ashes
- The call to true repentance
- The invitation to renewal through Lent
- The Symbolism of Ashes: A Reminder of Our Mortality and Need for God
One of the most striking aspects of Ash Wednesday is the imposition of ashes on our foreheads. As the ashes are applied, we hear the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19)
These words remind us that our earthly lives are temporary. No matter our status, wealth, or achievements, one day we will return to the dust from which we came. Our lives are in God’s hands.
Biblical Meaning of Ashes
In Scripture, ashes symbolize repentance, mourning, and humility before God:
- In Job 42:6, Job says: “I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
- In Jonah 3:5-6, the people of Nineveh repented, covering themselves in sackcloth and ashes.
- In Daniel 9:3, the prophet Daniel pleaded with God through fasting, prayer, and ashes.
Throughout the Bible, ashes were a visible sign of a person humbling themselves before God. Today, as we receive these ashes, they serve as a reminder of our own need for humility and repentance.
But notice that the ashes are not applied randomly—they are placed in the shape of a cross. This cross points us to the ultimate hope and salvation we have in Jesus Christ, who bore our sins and defeated death.
- The Call to True Repentance: A Matter of the Heart
In our first reading from Joel 2:12-13, the prophet calls us to return to God: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate.”
Here, Joel reminds us that true repentance is not just about outward actions, but a transformation of the heart. The people of Israel had a custom of tearing their garments as a sign of sorrow, but God desires a change within us, not just external rituals.
What is True Repentance?
- It is not just feeling guilty—it is a sincere desire to turn away from sin.
- It is not just avoiding wrongdoing—it is actively choosing to live in God’s grace.
- It is not just a temporary fix—it is a lifelong journey of spiritual renewal.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 that repentance should not be done for show: “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets… When you pray, go into your room and close the door. And when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, but put oil on your head and wash your face.”
Jesus teaches us that repentance, prayer, and fasting should come from a sincere heart, not for the approval of others. God looks at the heart.
- The Invitation to Renewal: Walking the Lenten Journey with Christ
Lent is not just a time of giving up things; it is a time of spiritual renewal.
We are invited to enter a deeper relationship with God through three key practices:
- Prayer – Seeking a Closer Relationship with God
- Strengthen your prayer life during Lent.
- Dedicate time each day to silent reflection, scripture reading, or the Rosary.
- Attend Mass or church services more frequently to draw closer to God.
- Fasting – Letting Go of Distractions
- Fasting is not just about food; it is about detaching from things that take us away from God.
- Ask yourself: What is preventing me from fully following Christ?
- Is it social media?
- Negative habits?
- Materialism?
- Fast from sinful behaviors such as gossip, anger, or selfishness.
- Almsgiving – Serving Others with Love
- Lent calls us to practice charity and generosity.
- Give not just material gifts, but also your time, kindness, and compassion.
- Look for ways to serve those in need, whether in your community or through church outreach programs.
A Personal Commitment for Lent
As we begin this Lenten season, I invite you to make a personal commitment:
- Repent sincerely – Turn away from sin and turn toward Christ.
- Renew your spiritual life – Deepen your relationship with God through prayer.
- Refocus on what truly matters – Remove distractions and embrace God’s calling.
Let us not allow the ashes on our foreheads to be just a ritual, but a real sign of inner transformation. May we use these 40 days of Lent to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter, when we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, as we begin this Lenten journey, we come before You with humble hearts. Help us to return to You with sincerity, to seek You more deeply, and to live lives that reflect Your grace. May this season of Lent draw us closer to You and prepare us for the joy of Easter. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Tuesday – MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Noon – Lunch provided.
WEDNESDAY – MIDWEEK@ MINNEWASHTA CHAPEL SERVICE – Especially keeping seniors of the community in mind, we invite you to join us each Wednesday at 11:30 AM for this special time with hymns, prayers/praises, and Pastor Grant’s message. Fellowship lunch follows at 12:15 & movie at 12:45. Communion is served the first Wednesday of each month. Fellowship lunch is provided following our Midweek@ Minnewashta Chapel Service. Freewill offering is encouraged.
Each Wednesday – Prayer Gathering 10:45-11:15 in Pastor’s Office.
MEAL & MOVIE – March 12: “The Forge” – Part 1. Isaiah Wright has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine. From the Kendrick Brothers, the creators of the No.1 hit WAR ROOM, comes THE FORGE, a faith-filled new movie with old friends and inspiring new twists..
Mission of the Month – March- Bountiful Baskets Food Shelf – MARCH NEEDED ITEMS
Serving Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria & Surrounding Area – Helping people with hunger relief. Making a real change in someone’s life.
During everyone’s life there is a period when we need help. For many this help comes in the form of food assistance to get them through their time of need. In a typical 12 month period the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf distributes over 400,000 lbs. of food. All of the 15,000 individuals served are neighbors and fellow community members who live in Eastern Carver County.
16 Years Serving the Community / 5,600 Served Annually / 2,500 Pounds Distributed Daily
BENEVOLENCE FUND – The benevolence fund is used to aid families with unexpected or high medical expenses, victims of natural disasters. The unemployed, the under employed and in other similar circumstances.
MINNEWASHTA OFFERINGS – The Offering Boxes are mounted on the wall outside of the church office and the envelopes are located on the table beneath the two boxes. Alternatively, you can mail your offerings and tithes to the church: 26710 West 62nd St., Shorewood, MN 55331, Attn: Financial Secretary.
If you have an item for the announcements, please get it to the church office (via email) no later than TUESDAY morning. Thank you.