ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVED
by Debbie Snare

     Christians around the world entered into the holy season of Lent last month, with the observance of Ash Wednesday. During the six weeks of Lent, we are called to spend more time in meditation, prayer and Bible study, as we focus on growing closer to God, identifying and clearing out obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him. This is a special year for Lincoln Chapel, as we join our brothers and sisters in Christ from two other Methodist churches, sharing services during Lent: Mifflinburg UMC with Pastor Ron Warfle and Forest Hill UMC with Pastor Daniel Hicks. Members from all three Churches enjoyed a soup and sandwich fellowship meal, followed by the Ash Wednesday Service of Penance, held at the Mifflinburg UMC on February 21, 2007. It was a solemn and thought-provoking service, with a message on what repentance is and what it means to all of us; a change of mind, heart and attitude, where our own sin is concerned. We were asked to think about the one sin that stands in the way of our closer relationship with God, and after silent prayer, we were invited to write that sin on a scrap of paper, which no one else would see. The cards were collected, burned and the ashes mixed with anointing oil. The blessed ashes were then applied to our foreheads, in the sign of a cross, signifying our desire for repentance and reconciliation. The service ended with Holy Communion, a celebration of the Lord's Supper.
     "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." --Hebrews 12:1-2
 Holy Week services as follows:
Holy Thursday Service will be held at Lincoln Chapel on April 5, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday Service will be held at Forest Hill UMC on April 6, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Service will be held at Lincoln Chapel on April 8, 2007 at 6:41 a.m.