THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 9, 1995 TAG: 9503090158
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
PUTTING AWAY THE OLD and preparing for the new are major tenets of the Christian observance of Lent. That helps explain the use of ashes - destruction of the old - to make a sign of the cross - an outward expression of penitence and new life.
These were among the explanations of Lent when the congregations of Faith Lutheran Church and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church held a joint Ash Wednesday service.
The Rev. Roger Jackle, pastor of St. Andrew, and the Rev. Richard Browder, pastor of Faith, led in Scripture reading and serving Holy Communion.
The traditional Ash Wednesday observance includes making the sign of the cross with ashes upon the forehead. According to Browder, the use of ashes is rich with symbolism and rooted in ancient customs. The ashes are symbolic of cleansing, reminding believers of the continued need of repentance.
To further enhance the symbolism, there's the ancient custom - still practiced in many places - of burning the fields in spring. The word ``lent'' comes from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning ``Springtime.'' So ashes further illustrate the time of Lent in which Christians put away the old and prepare for the new.
In the following message, Browder continues his explanation of the significance of the Christian church's observance of the Lenten season:
In the seasons of the church year, Lent is to Easter what Advent is to Christmas. The four weeks before Christmas, when we read the Old Testament prophecies of the coming or advent of the Christ child, can be summarized with the word ``Prepare.'' Lent, the seven weeks before Easter, is a time in which we reflect on the word ``Repentance.''
Lent is a time of deep significance for many Christians. In a sense, these days are a time of revival. If we were perfect Christians, of course, we would not need to be ``revived,'' but since none of us is perfect, it is good for us to think often about the love God has shown us in Christ.
The season of Lent offers an opportunity to meditate on our relationship to God, our creator, Christ, our redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, our comforter. We understand Christ died and rose again to announce to us that we have eternal life.
As a child growing up, it was the practice in our church to ``give up something'' during Lent. For that reason during our Lenten service each Wednesday, I will share suggestions for us to give of ourselves to God. Here are a few thoughts for this week:
1. Call someone you have not talked to in some time.
2. Send a card or a letter to a friend or family member.
3. Remember someone in your prayers.
4. Visit someone in the hospital or nursing home.
5. Seek reconciliation in a broken relationship.
Easter will come whether we prepare or not. But what we do in preparation could make Easter more meaningful this year. Here are a few additional suggestions to ensure that your Easter experience will be enhanced:
Read the Bible and pray daily.
Attend church regularly.
Talk about your faith.
Faith Lutheran Church will sponsor Lenten services at 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday through April 5. At 7:30 p.m. on April 13, the congregation will join with St. Andrew Presbyterian Church for a Maundy Thursday Service and Seder Meal at St. Andrew, 1885 Bridge Road.
A joint Good Friday Tenebrae Service will be held at the Faith Chapel, 2730 Bridge Road, at 7:30 p.m. April 14.
All are open to the public. Call 686-0468. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. Richard Browder, pastor of Faith Luterhan Church, prepares
for special Lenten services held jointly with St. Andrew
Presbyterian Church.
by CNB