Event

Join the Rev. Douglas duCharme and Noelle Boughton to learn a new spiritual practice with our labyrinth walk of Fairlawn’s sanctuary as we begin our Lenten journey with prayer, music, silence and ashes.

This seminar is part of the Fairlawn Lenten Series.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent

Ash Wednesday occurs 46 days before Easter (40 fasting days, and 6 Sundays). The 40-day period is an allusion to the separation of Jesus in the desert to fast and pray, during the time that he was tempted. Ash Wednesday can fall as early as Feb. 4 or as late as March 10.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, and rubbing a mark of the cross on the forehead of participants.

The minister or anointer can offer a blessing as the mark is made:
“Be open to God’s surprising ways.”
“You are a beloved child of God.”

The ashes are a reminder that one day we will die, and the shape of the cross reminds us that we are not alone. We belong to God.

List of events for Lent, Holy Week and the celebration of Easter >