UPPER LAKE >> If you find yourself in the town of Upper Lake in the morning, afternoon, or evening of Ash Wednesday, March 1, consider stopping by the Upper Lake Community United Methodist Church. The Sanctuary will be open at 6 a.m. for the entire day and you are welcome and encouraged to come and dedicate a few moments of prayer.
At 6 p.m. our annual Ash Wednesday evening service will be held, officiated by Upper Lake Methodist minister, Rev. Bob Green. This brief service will culminate with Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of those in attendance.
In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Holy season of Lent, which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, and is a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. We receive the cross of ashes at the beginning of this season as a reminder of our mortal failings and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness.
The ashes are made from the palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The smudge of ashes on Ash Wednesday doesn’t require any special preparation or belief — it’s a simple reminder of our brokenness and God’s loving grace and it’s for everyone. You do not have to be of Methodist faith to participate — all are welcome.
The Upper Lake Methodist church is located at 604 Clover Valley Road, corner of First Street and Clover Valley Road. The Ash Wednesday (March 1) prayer vigil begins at 6 a.m. and stops at 6 p.m. The evening service and communion will commence promptly at 6 p.m.
