Introduction
On Ash Wednesday we begin our forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to return to God, we have already been reconciled to God through Christ. We humbly pray for God to make our hearts clean while we rejoice that “now is the day of salvation.” Returning to our baptismal call, we more intentionally bear the fruits of mercy and justice in the world.
Readings and Psalm
- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Return to the Lord, your God - Isaiah 58:1-12 (alternate)
The fast that God chooses - Psalm 51:1-17
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps. 51:1) - 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10
Now is the day of salvation - Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The practice of faith
This year our Lenten discipline will include discerning our congregational next steps. Join us on Thursday nights in Lent via Zoom to discuss the Three Pathways document and share your thoughts on the future of First Lutheran Church of the Trinity. Log in information can be found on page 10 of the attached bulletin.
First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 