Last night I attended the Ash Wednesday Services at my local church. It was also love feast so we actually got a double-treat. Did anyone else partake in the Ash Wednesday services last night?

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001

Answers

Greetings: I excepted Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour because we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By Gods grace he allows me to serve him everday as he lives in my heart with his love. Have you turned from your sins and excepted Jesus as your saviour? Gods word promises eternal life to those who ask him. You could say I have recieved an eternal treat!!

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001

I am sorry to say my Local Church made no effort, or mention whatsoever of Ash Wednesday. It would have been so wonderful and uplifting to have had some sort of service recognizing this day, along with other Christians. Is this a day that is not celebrated by AME's?

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

In many Protestant churches the significance of this wonderful event is often missed. Ash Wednesday begins forty days of prayer, fasting reflection, and penance before Easter known as Lent. It commemorates the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his earthly ministry. On Ash Wednesday, the palms from the previous Palm Sunday are burned and placed on the forehead in the form of a cross accompanied by the words, "Remember that you are dust, to dust you shall return, Prepare to meet you God."

Traditionally, the churches in my area come together on each Wednesday of the six weeks of Lent at one central location. They also usually meet on Good Friday at high noon and seven preachers preach the "Seven Last Words of Christ."

During Holy Week the choirs also perform Bach's "Mass in B Minor", Bach's "Saint Matthew Passion"', Handel's "Messiah" and Stainer's, "Seven Last Words of Christ". Stone Mountain Park and large local cemeteries also conduct Easter Surmise Services. All of these events are wonderful and they lift revive and renew our spirits. (see: the Revised Common Lectionary in the AMEC Hymnal #795 - Lent Year C.)

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

I am a little tardy in responding to this question, Bro. Dickens, but we did have Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday evening and also had the Love Feast. Wednesday is our usual Bible Study night so those who attend Bible Study came to service. Some of those folks are not members of St Paul but go to other churches in the area. As part of the Love Feast, our Pastor had us go to anybody whom we even felt that we may have offended over the past year and get straight by apologizing. Even Pastor apologized for offending anyone. It was a wonderful event, The Spirit just moved through the congregation as members went about making right with other brothers and sisters. It was a wonderful service. Our theme for this year is, "Let's Go Higher" and this service was a great beginning for us as we move into the Lenten season.

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2001

Bob, that's wonderful to hear. Rev. Attles is a massive man, about 6'4" and well over 230 pounds. Yet he is just as humble as he is large, so I can easily imagine the impact of that Love Feast.

Several years ago your New Temple Singers had a song in the repertoire, "Let's Go Higher." It was a very spirited, up-tempo gospel number. We ended at least one concert's first half with it, and left the sanctuary shouting. It sure would be nice to resurrect that for this year.

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2001

Lent is such an important season for us as Christians. It is a time to draw near to Christ, and reflect, remember and continue his work. Since St. Paul Community Church is brand new and our congregation is small, I am meeting with every member of the church to help them develop an individual "lenten Plan" this can include journal writing, special scripture readings, love letters written to Jesus, giving up something, with the understanding if they give up something to replace it with service to others. This lenten season though we are small we are partenering with a church in Namibia to do service for Christ. And I gave up candy, and cookies. I already feel better. Love to all of you, especially Jesus Christ.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001