FOR DUST YOU ARE AND TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN.
GENESIS 3:19
AS A FATHER HAS COMPASSION ON HIS CHILDREN, SO THE LORD HAS COMPASSION ON THOSE WHO FEAR HIM; FOR HE KNOWS HOW WE ARE FORMED, HE REMEMBERS THAT WE ARE DUST.
PSALM 103:13-18
Why do we use ashes on Ash Wednesday? Because ashes tell the truth. They remind us that we are dust, created by God, limited, and dependent on him. We live most of our days as if we are in control, as if we are stronger than we are. Ash Wednesday gently interrupts that illusion. But we do not receive ashes on our foreheads as a sign of despair. The ash is traced in the shape of a cross, and we hear, “With this cross, you are marked as a follower of Christ.” We are marked by dust—honest about our humanity. And we are met by grace—claimed by the One who entered our dust, carried it to the cross, and rose again.
Ash Wednesday is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of our walk toward Easter. This day opens the season of Lent, the journey that leads us through repentance and reflection toward the hope of resurrection. We begin with dust. We are marked by Christ. And we walk toward life.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Prelude
Goodness of God
Welcome and Prayer
10,000 Reasons | Psalm 103
Prayer of Confession | Psalm 51
Assurance of Pardon
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Marked by Dust, Met by Grace
PSALM 103:13-18
DR. DEANNE TOWNSEND Pastor for Congregational Life
The Imposition of Ashes Prayer of Thanksgiving It Is Well with My Soul
Benediction
Postlude
LEADING IN WORSHIP
Dr. Deanne Townsend | Pastor for Congregational Life
Rev. Scott Tucker | Pastor for Grand Adults
Rev. Vicki Harrington Franch | Pastor for Pastoral Care
Dr. Jay Madden | Executive Pastor
Rev. Wes Nichols | Pastor for Community Life
Dr. Joe Skillen | Pastor for Teaching
Mary Hoffman | Senior Director of Music
Daniel Solberg | Organist
Shelly Johnson | Piano/Vocalist
PALM SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday, March 29
8:30am | 9:45am | 11:15am Sanctuary MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE
Thursday, April 2 7pm | Sanctuary
EASTER PRAYER VIGIL
Thursday, April 2–Sunday, April 4 Wilson Chapel
EASTER SERVICES
Saturday, April 4-Sunday, April 5
Saturday | 4pm and 6pm | Sanctuary
Sunday | 8am, 9:30am, and 11am | Sanctuary