Lent readies UMs for Christ’s resurrection

Ash Wednesday starts 40
days of preparation for
Easter celebration

Ashes show we belong to Jesus Christ
Christians around the world observed Ash Wednesday Feb. 9 with the imposition of ashes on their foreheads.
Though they bear witness to their faith with the mark, some church members may not be able to explain to nonbelievers what the mark means.
Imposition of ashes is an ancient Christian practice that involves much symbolism. In the Bible, a mark on the forehead was a symbol that the person belonged to someone.
By having their foreheads marked with the sign of the cross, Christians proclaim that they are owned by Jesus Christ.
The cross on the forehead is made with ashes, which symbolize mourning, penance and death. Pastors and others who may be assisting them mark the followers of Christ in ashes, saying, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words are modeled after God’s admonition to Adam in Genesis 3:19.
In this Christian rite, believers are reminded of their mortality and the need to repent before this life is over and they come before God in final judgment.

By Claudia M. Williams
Staff Writer
A few weeks ago, United Methodists were marking the end of Christmas with Epiphany observances. This week church members began another liturgical season–Lent.
The 40-day period started Wednesday—known to Christians as Ash Wednesday.
Lent is to Easter what Advent is to Christmas: a time for spiritual preparation. Lent prepares Christians for Christ’s death on Good Friday (March 25 this year) and resurrection the following Sunday. Easter is observed March 27 this year.
Traditionally, United Methodists observe the 40 days of Lent—which don’t count Sundays between now and Easter—with special prayer, penance and study. Churches across the Southwest Texas Conference have personalized their Lenten observations.
Jourdanton UMC plans to erect a plain wooden cross in front of the church building Sunday. Each week through Palm Sunday, the cross will be modified with the addition of symbols of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. Those are to include nails, a crown of thorns, a robe, a sign bearing the words “Jesus of Nazareth, Kings of the Jews” and palm branches.
The cross is to be covered with Easter lilies Easter morning to proclaim Christ’s victory and triumph over death.
The three United Methodist congregations in Seguin—First, Wesley Harper and La Trinidad UMCs—are to worship together each Wednesday evening during Lent. Location and leadership are to rotate. One church is to play host to worship. A pastor from another church is to preach. The choir from the third church is to sing.
At Bethany UMC, Austin, a Lenten study entitled “Between Noon and Three” includes reflections and meditations on the last phrase Jesus spoke from the cross. Those words, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46), are expected to shed light on the meaning of Good Friday for Jesus and the Christian church.
First UMC, Portland, is providing a prayer book in the church foyer. People are invited to record prayers in the book. A pastor is then to raise those prayers during worship.
Commitment to ministry and discipline is the Lenten focus at Wimberley UMC. The church is encouraging each member to commit to participate in a mission of the General Board of Global Ministries or another internally or externally directed discipline. In Sunday school classes and other groups that meet regularly, members are to support each other and hold each other accountable for their commitments.
University UMC, San Antonio, is challenging members to walk to the cross with Christ. In a program called “Walk to Golgotha,” the Wellness Ministry is inviting members to journey 7,244 miles during Lent. That’s the distance from San Antonio to Jerusalem.
Church members are encouraged to walk or jog individually or in groups. Walkers and joggers log the distance they go each day. The goal is to arrive at the cross by Maundy Thursday (March 24). Each day has a prayer focus. Church members can meditate upon it while walking or jogging.