UFMCC Resource Kit for Ash Wednesday
A resource kit prepared by The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches for Ash WednesdayContents of this page:
The liturgical season of Lent in the Christian Church begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on February 17.
The observance of Ash Wednesday became widespread throughout Christendom during the 7th Century and provides an opportunity for the worshiping community to engage in corporate penitence and confession... to prepare for the Season of Lent... and to look forward to the hope of Easter.
During the Ash Wednesday Service, it is traditional for ashes to be placed on the foreheads of the faithful as the worship leader intones the words from Genesis: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
In medieval times, it is recorded that a popular sign in public places read, "Remember you are dying." It was a reminder of the reality of death, but more than that, a reminder to live fully that day. So, too, is Ash Wednesday a reminder that from ashes we have come and to ashes we return. It is also an opportunity to examine the kind of life that we are leading ... what is the quality of our lives, what is the quality of our actions, our thoughts, our relationships?
Opening Sentences:
We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For your
sake God
made to be sin The One who knew no sin, so that in this very one we
might
become the righteousness of God. For God says, "At the acceptable
time I have
listened to you and helped you on the day of salvation." Now is the
acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation.
Hymn
Hebrew Scripture Lesson: Joel 2:1-2,12-17a
Silent Reflection
Psalm of Confession: Psalm 51
Reader 1:
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; you who
have great
mercy, forgive what I have done.
Reader 2:
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
Reader 1:
For I know what I have done wrong; my sins are ever before me and
heavy on my
heart.
Reader 2:
Against you, God, you only, have I sinned; you who know all things
know what I
have done. You have every right to judge me for my actions and every
right to
punish me for them.
People:
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit
within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing
spirit.
Reader 1:
In the time since I was born, I have committed many sins, and done
many things
which I wish I had not done.
Reader 2:
God, you want me to be truthful to my very core; therefore, teach me
wisdom in
the depths of my heart.
Reader 1:
If you will do it, O God, I shall be clean, wash me, and I shall be
pure.
Reader 2:
Fill me with joy and gladness!
People:
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit
within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing
spirit.
Reader 1:
Then I will lead others to return to you, O God, and learn your ways.
Reader 2:
Deliver me from my guilt, O God of my salvation, and I will sing
aloud of your
deliverance. I will sing your praises.
Reader 1:
You take no delight in sacrifices; you would not be pleased if I
were to offer
one to you.
Reader 2:
The sacrifice acceptable to you is a broken spirit; a contrite
heart, O God,
you will not reject.
People:
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit
within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing
spirit.
Assurance of Pardon
Silent Meditation
Epistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Reflection/Homily
Music
Prayers of the People
The Ashes of Forgiveness
Blessing of the Ashes
May these ashes be to us, O God, an acknowledgment of our wrongdoing
and our
acceptance of your forgiveness.
In these ashes are our prejudices, our impatience, the times we have
turned
our backs on the suffering of others, our neglect of the
environment, our
indifference, our materialism, our greed, our hypocrisy, our envy,
all of our
sins. In these ashes of repentance are the seeds of our forgiveness
and our
transformation. For God always accepts us and forgives us. Through
our
repentance and forgiveness comes transformation. May God create
within each
of us a clean heart and a new and right spirit.
Imposition of Ashes
"Create in [name] a clean heart and put a new and right spirit within
her/him."
Silent Meditation
Benediction
The Church's One FoundationAbout Ashes For Ash Wednesday Services
Ashes are made by burning the palms from last year's Palm Sunday celebration and mixing them with a drop or two of oil. A small amount of anointing oil works well for this. If you have misplaced or not saved the palms from last year, ask another church if they have extra that you might use. You could also purchase palm leaves from a florist or greenhouse, bless them, leave them to dry in the sun, and then burn them. Remember to put a few extra fronds in a safe place this year for use next year. Here's a reminder that all local MCC congregations have a wonderful resource in the person of Mr. Roi Hudson-Anaya, manager of the UFMCC Resource Center. If you are seeking resources and worship materials for Lent or Easter, or for any special services or programs, contact Roi at the UFMCC Resource Center by phone at (310) 360-8640, Ext. 221... by fax at (310) 360-8680... or by e-mail at ResourceCenter@ufmcchq.com. Roi is a former pastor of a mainline church and a longtime member of UFMCC. He brings a wealth of knowledge -- along with a commitment to UFMCC ministry and a wonderful sense of humor! -- to his position at the UFMCC Resource Center.For additional information, contact:
The Rev. Justin Tanis, Director of Clergy Development
James N. Birkitt, Jr., Director of Communications
UFMCC
8704 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel. (310) 360-8640
Fax: (310) 360-8680
