Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It marks the beginning of a period of reflection and penance. In the Bible, sprinkling oneself with ashes was traditionally a sign of one’s sorrow for having committed sins.
In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday also marked the beginning of preparation for the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. The particular symbolism of ashes for this day comes from a practice in the Roman Catholic churches in which the ashes from the palms used in the preceding year’s Palm Sunday celebration are blessed. With these ashes, the priest on the first day of Lent marks a cross on the forehead of each worshiper. This practice has become a part of Ash Wednesday services in many United Methodist Churches.
Join us tonight at 6:30 p.m. in person or online.
To Connect Online
For those with Facebook accounts:
Some of you are having difficulties in finding our videos of worship on Sunday morningson Facebook. Here are a couple of tips. When you see a “get reminder” button on the video announcement. Click on that. Then whenever we go live, the reminder will pop up in your notifications and you can simply click on the notification to go straight to the video. OR….
The live video will be at the top.
REMEMBER: Our worship is also live on YouTube at the time and can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYNURhSqdwwZgpfzTWVJew
If you have questions please direct them to Pastor Matt at matt.franks@tahlequahumc.org
Online Worship Info
Welcome To Ash Wednesday Worship at Tahlequah UMC Opening Prayer Pastor Matt Franks Opening Hymn: Where Are You, God? We Long to Know Tune: Traditional English melody ("Though I May Speak") Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
1. Where are you, God? We long to know. At times, our sorrows overflow. Then others ask the question, too. "Where is your God?" — they say of you. 2. We've seen the wages of our sin; we've dreamed of things that might have been. We've given in to hate and fear; we've pushed away those you hold dear. 3. May we put feasts and games aside; may we tear down the walls of pride. We're sorry, Lord! We've turned from you! So now we ask "What can we do?" 4. Still you are gracious, loving, kind. We'll turn around! Now is the time! These Lenten days, O God, may we become your blest community
Opening Meditation: A reading from Aelfric of Eynsham (c. 955 - c. 1010) Pastor Shana Dry
Hymn. I Surrender All UMH 354
Prayer of Confession Pastor Shana Dry
All: Lord, we confess our sins before you. We confess that we have fallen short of your glory and your intent for our lives. Open our eyes that we may see ourselves with clarity and truthfulness, that we may have eyes to see all of that within us that is not pleasing to you.
(silent prayers)
Music: I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford.
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
All: Lord, we confess to you that we have not loved as we ought. We have been impatient with others with whom we could have been patient. We have disregarded those you have called us to serve. We have chosen the selfish way when you have called us to selflessness.
(silent prayers)
Music: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
All: Lord, we confess that we have not tended to the care of our souls. We have been too busy to pray. We have been too quick to speak and too slow to listen for you. We have filled our lives with all kinds of noise instead of patiently waiting like sheep for our shepherd’s voice.
(silent prayers)
Music: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
All: Lord, we confess our need of you. We need your grace. We need your patience. We need your guidance. We cannot see beyond the moment. We cannot worship you as we ought. As we begin this solemn journey toward the cross, we call upon your mercy and your love for our salvation.
(silent prayers)
Music: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:1-17 Pastor Shana Dry
Song of Preparation: Jesus, Remember Me UMH 488
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Pastor Matt Franks
Song of Preparation: Jesus, Remember Me UMH 488
The Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-21 Pastor Shana Dry
On Your Marks getting ready for Lent given by Pastor Matt Franks
Invitation of Lenten Practice Pastor Shana Dry
Moment of Silence
Song of Centering: Sanctuary TFWS
Holy Communion Blessing Words Will Be On The Screen Pastor Matt Franks
Thanksgiving over the Ashes Pastor Shana Dry
Imposition of the Ashes and Receiving of Holy Communion
Song of Closing: Let Us Now Depart In Thy Peace UMH 668
Benediction Pastor Matt Franks
