You're getting this Enews early this week because today is Ash Wednesday. For those of you who grew up in the church, you may have participated in Ash Wednesday by having ashes applied to your forehead. Being marked with ashes at the beginning of Lent was always kinda cool when I was a kid, but why do we do it?

Ashes are an old symbol. Wearing ashes on our forehead is a symbol of  our mortality ("...ashes to ashes, dust to dust"). They are also a symbol of repentance (i.e. wearing "sackcloth and ashes"). And they indicate our humble recognition of our need for a savior. On this day we have ashes placed on our forehead in the shape of a cross because it is a sign and a reminder of our Christian baptism.

Have you ever wondered why a season which ends with such a great and glorious victory at the tomb of our Risen Lord would begin with ugly, dirty, gray ashes? Friends, it is because we need to be reminded during this season of Lent that the road to victory for Jesus was not easy or beautiful; it was dirty and bloody and full of suffering. And he won that victory for us.

Read these words from a beautiful song by Kathryn Scott:

At The Foot Of The Cross
Where Grace And Suffering Meet
You Have Shown Me Your Love
Through The Judgment You Received

And You've Won My Heart
Yes, You've Won My Heart

Now I Can
Trade These Ashes In For Beauty
And Wear Forgiveness Like A Crown
Coming To Kiss The Feet Of Mercy
I Lay Every Burden Down
At The Foot Of The Cross

At The Foot Of The Cross
Where I Am Made Complete
You Have Given Me Life
Through The Death You Bore For Me

I'm Laying Every Burden Down
I'm Laying Every Burden Down

I invite you to use this song as a reminder and a prayer during this Lenten season. I will.

Greg

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Monday, February 27:  Todd Ellingson, Mission in Rawanda
Todd and his wife sold all their belongings a couple of years ago to move to Africa to work among the poor. Meet at Peace Lutheran to hear Todd's stories about how God is moving in Rawanda.

We begin the evening with a BBQ dinner at 6:30 PM. Carrie is doing the main dish -- you bring the salads and sides. Come for a great dinner and fellowship. Class begins at 7:15 PM.

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Beginning February 28: Healing From Loss: Restoring Your Life
A new grief recovery workshop is beginning the end of this month. If you know of someone who can benefit from this 12-week, intensive workshop, be sure to tell them about it. The workshop meets every Tuesday night. Call Greg if you'd like more information or if you wish to sign up: 602-622-1488.