Ash Wednesday
Imposition of Ashes and Vespers
Scripture Texts: Amos 5:6–15; Hebrews 12:1–14; Luke 18:9–14
Sermon: Looking to Jesus
This evening's service begins a Lenten journey of repentance that leads up to Easter. Tonight, we show our repentance by recceiving the mark of the cross in ashes on the forehead. Our choir sings "Joyous Light of Glory" by Carl Schalk. There is a message about looking to Jesus, and Holy Communion concludes the service.
Here is today's Scripture jigsaw that you may work while you are waiting on the service to begin.
Ash Wednesday Service
Order of Prayer
Evening Prayer or Vespers is on page 142 in service book.
The Service of Light, page 142
The Imposition of Ashes and Pronouncement of Absolution
The Lord, my Creator, took me as dust from the earth,
and formed me into a living being,
breathing into me the breath of life.
God honored me,
setting me as ruler upon earth over all things visible,
and made me a companion of the angels.
But Satan the deceiver,
using the serpent as instrument,
enticed me by food—
parted me from the glory of God,
and gave me over to the earth
and to the lowest depths of the earth.
But in compassion, O Savior, call me back again!*
As the penitent come forward, each is marked with the cross, as the following is declared: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." Then each returns to the pews.
Accomplish in us, O Lord, the work of your salvation, that we may show your glory to the world. By the passion and cross of your Son, bring us with the whole communion of saints to the joy of his resurrection: eternal life in your kingdom.
In the mercy of Almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you, and for his sake, God forgives all the sins of you who believe. By his Holy Spirit, may he grant you real repentance and trust in the Father's love, that you may live with him in righteousness and peace forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
"Joyous Light of Glory" by Carl Schalk and sung by our choir
Thanksgiving, page 144
Psalmody, page 145–146
Prayer
"Lord Jesus, Think on Me", Hymn 309
Lessons and response at top of page 147
The Gospel Canticle, page 147–148
The Litany, pages 148–151
Prayer
Homily
Holy Communion
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
The same night, after the supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying, "This is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.' Do this in remembrance of me."
The Lord's Prayer
Distribution
Blessing
Prayer: We thank you, Lord, for feeding us with this heavenly food, your own body and blood. Continue to protect us in our struggle against evil and sin, and grant that these ashes may be a sign to us and to others of our mortality. Nevertheless, as we lean toward resurrection, may your Holy Spirit remind us often that we are given the gift of everlasting life by your gracious hand, for Christ's sake. Amen
Final Blessing and Sending, page 153
*Byzantine Vespers
We invite you to join us for an in-person service. St. Paul's features traditional and liturgical worship with beautiful music and a message grounded in the Scriptures and guided by the Lutheran Confessions—all in a friendly, family-like environment. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first and third Sundays, as well as festival Sundays.
Please notice that we welcome and encourage children to worship with us. Just before the sermon Pastor Ryman has a chat with the children. You're going to love this part of the service.
Our services are mask-optional.
Announcements
Upcoming:
• Breakfast is served before Sunday School this morning at 8:30am.
• Supper and the Word, Wednesdays, March 9 through April 6. Supper at 6 and service at 7.
Weekly:
• Handbell practice, Sundays at 4pm
• Men’s Choir practice, Sundays at 3pm (note the time change)
• Girl Scouts, Tuesdays at 6:45pm
• Adult Choir practice, Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Confirmation will resumer in May
• Bible studies, Thursday at 10am and 6pm
• Vespers this Sunday night at 6:30 in the parsonage. BBQ Dinner at 6.