Worship Tools
Worship Outline
Additional Scriptures
Psalm 51:1-17; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21; 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Preparation
The worship center should be solemn and stark. Gray, with its suggestion of ashes, is especially appropriate. Dark earth colors or any somber hues are also appropriate. Rough, coarse textures such as burlap—sackcloth and ashes—suggest the character of the day and season.
Stations 2, 3, and 4 explained below involve supplies that need to be prepared ahead of time. Purchase inexpensive ashes for the ashes station (search the internet or a local church supply or craft store) or prepare them yourself. To prepare the ashes yourself, use the dried palm leaves from last year’s Palm Sunday service and burn them outside. Grind them to a fine powder and mix in a shallow bowl with olive oil or vegetable oil.
Project these words or phrases during the Call to Worship and Welcome—moving in a loop if possible. Use a dark purple or black background.
Prepare, Reconcile, Repent, Know yourself, Prayer, Fasting
Prelude
Call to Worship
Last Sunday we celebrated the “Last Sunday after the Epiphany.” The season of Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday. Over the next 40 days, we will travel through Lent toward the cross. Many of us will also begin practicing a new spiritual discipline during Lent or we will give up something for Lent—something that seems to be getting in the way of the life we long to live. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of our Lenten journey.
Welcome
As part of tonight’s worship, ashes will be offered. This practice may not be familiar to everyone. Ashes have been used in Christian churches to mark the beginning of Lent since at least the 10th Century. Ashes are often mentioned in scriptures as a symbol of purification and repentance.
Describe the stations you have chosen to include in the service.
We will begin our time of worship by focusing our minds and hearts on God’s presence. I invite you to move into a comfortable position and close your eyes as you take a few deep breaths. Pause. Let us pray.
Prayer of Invocation
Hymn of Discernment
“Open My Heart” CCS 171
OR “Teach Me, God, to Wonder” CCS 176
OR “Come, Holy Spirit Come” sing twice CCS 154
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Ash Wednesday Responsive Litany
Instrumentalists play soft music during the litany.
Leader: Blow the trumpet in Zion! Sound the alarm on God’s holy mountain. Call all the people together—young and old.
People: For the day of the Lord is coming, a day unlike any other.
Leader: Even now, return to me.
People: Even now, God says, return to me
Leader: Let the defiant and disobedient be in awe. Let the sinner and the scornful draw near.
People: Let us return to our God, and to God’s ways. For our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and full of compassion and mercy.
Leader: Even now, return to me.
People: Even now, God says, return to me
Leader: Never has there been such darkness on the mountain, and never have we imagined such glory.
People: The ruler will triumph with greatness and power.
Leader: The Earth quakes and the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are blackened; the stars no longer shine.
People: Return to me, God says, for I am gracious and merciful; I am slow to anger and full of steadfast love. Return to me, God says, for I am your God.
All: We will fast and pray, preparing ourselves for faithful discipleship.
—Based on Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Meditation Stations
Have stations set up around the worship space as detailed below. Invite participants to move from station to station in the manner you choose.
Have one or two leaders assigned to each station, ready to lead, assist, and make people comfortable.
Divide participants into groups. Each group is assigned to a station. The groups then move together to the next station for 7-8 minutes and continues through the remaining stations in the same manner.
OR Allow participants to move individually among the four stations in no particular order, even allowing them to remain in one station the entire time.
Sing CCS 235, “Come and Fill/Confitemini Domino,” as the signal to leave one meditation station and move to another one. Spend time learning the song before moving to the first station. Consider inviting a soloist to sing the hymn through once in English with the everyone joining in a second time through. The soloist then sings it in Latin and participants join singing in Latin a second time through.
Station 1 – Breath of Life
Leader welcomes participants to the station. Read the meditation slowly with frequent pauses.
Relax into your seats, close your eyes if that is comfortable for you, and imagine a place that brings you comfort and peace. Breathe in the goodness of that space. Breathe out the goodness that is within you.
After a minute or two, when people seem to be breathing deeply together, begin the spoken meditation based on CCS 156, “Be Still.” Pause at the end of each phrase to let the meaning settle in. Each phrase grows shorter and shorter, until the leader reaches the last word. Remain in silence until it is time for this group to move on to the next station
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know that I
Be still and know that
Be still and know
Be still and
Be still
Be
Station 2 – Letting Go
Leader has a supply of writing materials at this station: paper, pens, crayons, markers
Leader welcomes participants to “Letting Go.”
Tonight, we begin our journey through Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Like any well-prepared traveler, we want to pack our bags to make sure we are comfortable for our six-week journey.
Ash Wednesday, however, is about leaving baggage behind and braving the unfamiliar. In this exposed position, we acknowledge that we want to be surrounded by all the things that make us feel better about ourselves, including what we need to do follow in Christ’s mission and live out our Enduring Principles.
God tells us that we are made in the divine image and that faithfulness to that knowledge is all we need for the journey of life. So, what is it that we may need to let go of this Lent in order to help us hear more clearly, to walk in integrity, to grow in our discipleship, and to move toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Invite the group to take the writing materials and create a description or a drawing of what they want to let go of this Lent to make room for the divine in their lives – physical items such as a favorite food or perhaps a cynical attitude such as gossiping or complaining or possibly a bad habit.
Alternatively, they can draw or describe a practice or a ritual they want to begin such as: light a candle each evening and offer a centering prayer instead of worrying; study one of the Enduring Principles instead of following social media, take a yoga class instead of sitting on the couch; sit outside and listen to the wind, the birds, and the voice of God rather than listening to the television. Ask them to take their description or drawing with them as they leave.
Station 3 – Commitment
This station can be designed specifically for children or for everyone. If including the writing or drawing activity at the end, be prepared with paper, crayons, and pencils.
Read The Quarreling Book, by Charlotte Zoltow. ISBN-13: 978-0064430340, Publisher: HarperCollins. This book can be previewed by watching: YouTube
Pause after reading the first half of the book (after Eddie shoves the dog off the bed) and discuss how grumpiness can spread from one person to another. Talk about the grumpy actions and what the results were. Read the second half of the book which describes situations that are the reverse of the first half. This series of kind acts reverses everyone.
OR take turns reading aloud Matthew 25:42-43 (our negative actions), followed by Matthew 25:34-36 (our positive actions).
After the book or scriptures, discuss that on Ash Wednesday we can acknowledge the negative things that we do and then commit to spending Lent making the world a more positive place.
First, silently think about a special way you can be positive and show your faith more during Lent (or have the group share their ideas out loud).
Write or draw a commitment to share your faith in a positive manner during Lent. For example, you could help an elderly neighbor, or bring a friend to church, play with your younger siblings, or clean up the yard. Adapt these according to your group.
4 – Ashes
The use of ashes can be a deeply moving experience. If the use of ashes is new and unfamiliar to people, care should be taken in introducing the practice and in preparing participants. No one should feel compelled to come forward to receive ashes, nor should the practice be a way of displaying one’s holiness before others. It is simply a tangible reminder of our dependence upon the grace of God. Inform the group that if they would prefer to have the back of their hand marked rather than their forehead to hold their hand out to the leader.
As ashes are placed say the following scripture;
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
—Genesis 3:19
Hymn of Transformation
“Bless the Lord” sing twice CCS 575
OR “Spirit of the Living God” CCS 567
Begin singing quietly until everyone has received ashes.
Invite those who wish to receive ashes to come forward one at a time as the rest of the group continues singing. The leader places a mark using the ashes in the shape of a cross on each person’s hand or forehead.
Alternatively, each person can make the shape of the cross on their own hand or forehead. After everyone has received ashes, ask participants to return to their seats and then offer a prayer over the Lenten journey.
Prayer for Our Lenten Journey
Creator God with whom we walk this Lenten path,
We ask for your blessing as we begin the long journey to the cross. Come to this place and remember the promise you made to remain with us despite our dust. We need direction on this long road ahead and ask for your Spirit to be with us. Care for us, your children, as we endure this winding road, following the faithful path of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
In sharing our time, treasures, talents, and testimonies, we receive the blessing of God’s Kingdom. How can you use your gifts toward the holy work of peace, justice, and service during this Lenten season?
Blessing Responsive Reading of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Leader: God of the wilderness,
People: We give these offerings in gratitude, rejoicing in the abundance of your gifts to us.
Leader: We give these offerings in faith, trusting that they will provide for the needs of many.
People: We give these offerings in hope, knowing you can use them to spread peace in this world.
All: And with these offerings, we give ourselves; May we live with generous hearts, with open hands. Amen.
Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Hymn of Yearning for God
“O God We Call” sing four times, each time softer and slower CCS 195
OR “Open My Heart” CCS 171
OR “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” CCS 190
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Prayer of Confession
God of all creation,
On this Ash Wednesday as we pause to take stock of life’s journey,
we understand that we have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
We have neglected to do good when we had the ability to do so.
We have turned our backs on the poor.
We have erected idols crafted in our own image.
We have consumed more than our share of the world’s riches.
We have failed to grow in our discipleship as much as we planned.
Forgive us, O God, for neglecting to provide our world an authentic example of Christianity.
As we begin the journey of these 40 days, cleanse us, O Lord, so that we might be made whole.
Amen.
Postlude
Quiet music playing as participants exit.
Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline
Gathering
Welcome
The Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday, an ancient holy day in the Christian calendar. In scripture, ashes signify grief, sin, and human mortality as well as joy, forgiveness, and victory over death. Christians often wear a cross-shaped smudge of ashes on their foreheads on the first day of Lent as a symbol of repentance. The ashes are traditionally created by burning the palm branches that were used in Palm Sunday celebrations the previous year.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Creator of All,
Awaken us to the awareness of our struggle for peace. Lead us as we seek the clarity in these forty days.
We pray for peace for the world today, particularly for those we have been hurt by our apprehensions. We pray for those who live sacrificially so that others may know compassion. We pray
for a just peace in and among nations.
for professionals who help others stand in the light.
for the church in every place.
for the concerns and cares of our lives. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Silent Personal Reflection
Read the following to the group.
In the 21st century our worldview has changed dramatically. Modern knowledge, technology, and human systems shape almost every aspect of life globally. Wealth, health, peace, and prosperity are not the result of God’s favor or supernatural forces. Rather, they are created by individual and collective human action. They are shaped by global relationships and human systems. Poverty, disease, violence, and environmental degradation are not the result of chance, disfavor, or “acts of God.” They are influenced and shaped by human systems, actions, and decisions. Therefore, we can do something about them.
Jesus invites us to “follow him,” and face the problems and problemed-people of this world. Today, it means the same as it did in his time. It means examining ourselves. It means changing our heart, bearing our cross, symbolically turning our face to Jerusalem, and confronting the powers that be. Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b challenges us to “courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God.”
Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a summarizes the call. Prayerfully consider the words of this scripture in silent reflection. We will allow one minute for silent reflection following the reading.
God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
End the reflection time by sounding a chime or bell.
—Toward the Peace One Jesus Christ in Restoration Perspective
Sharing Around the Table
Joel 2:1-2 NRSVue
Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness spread upon the mountains,
a great and powerful army comes;
their like has never been from of old,
nor will be again after them
in ages to come.
—Joel 2:1-2 NRSVue
Joel was a prophet during the time of the Persian Empire. People of his era glorified the “day of the Lord” as a time when God would overthrow Israel’s enemies and restore the nation to glory. They eagerly awaited the day of the Lord as a time of restoration.
Here Joel warns that the day of the Lord comes like a plague of locusts. Yes, it destroys the enemies of God. But when Israel allows injustice and poverty to flourish, Israel too becomes God’s enemy. Therefore, Joel’s prophecy of the coming day of the Lord warns the people and calls them to repentance.
Joel calls the people to fast and pray. He tells them to show God their grief and sorrow. It was usual to tear one’s garments and heap ashes on one’s head in grief and repentance. But Joel warns against empty ritual: “rend your hearts and not your clothing.” The repentance for which God yearns is deep within the heart and leads to a positive change of behavior. Joel calls aged people, children, and infants to sanctify themselves and become God’s holy people once more.
Ash Wednesday is an occasion for Christians to gather in fasting, repentance, and prayer. In some denominations, the minister or priest marks the foreheads of worshipers with ashes to symbolize their willingness to repent. Ash Wednesday is a good day to reflect on our separation from God and make amends. At the heart of this Christian celebration is repentance and turning toward God in full devotion.
Questions
- In what ways have you felt separated from God?
- Repentance is to turn and go a new way. When have you felt the Spirit calling you to turn and go a new way?
- As you prepare for Lent, what does it mean to rend your heart, not just your clothes?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.
—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.
The offering prayer for Lent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
Ever Present God, Forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than you have created us to be. Your mercy and grace is always with us. May we find strength in your presence and may we respond to your love with generous spirits. Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
CCS 450, “Lead Me Lord”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
Thoughts for Children
Ash Wednesday
Materials: little bags of ash for each participant.
Say: Today is Ash Wednesday. In many faith traditions, people have ashes applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross on this day.
Ashes symbolize humility and remind wearers that they are human, mortal, and imperfect. Ashes are not just used on Ash Wednesday. They can be used for other things as well. Some gardeners spread ashes in their soil to help their plants get more nutrients and grow bigger.
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. During Lent, we prepare ourselves for Easter and reflect on our relationship with God. As we prepare, we learn and grow. Just as ashes can help plants grow, being humble before God can help us grow!
I am going to give you each a little baggie of ashes. When you get home, find a plant and spread the ashes around it. As you spread the ashes, ask God to help you to be humble and grow during the season of Lent.
Sermon Helps
Exploring the Scripture
The scripture reading for Ash Wednesday begins by sounding an alarm. A terrible catastrophe is on the nation, and the people tremble in darkness. God’s day of judgment has come.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. We reflect on the broken nature of the world and the need for repentance as we prepare for Easter. This season of inner assessment begins with the priests sounding the shofar, or ram’s horn, in warning.
Joel was a prophet during the time of the Persian Empire. The first chapter tells us a swarm of locusts destroyed the crops and livelihood of Israel. Like an invading army with lion’s teeth, the locusts stripped vineyards, grain fields, and pastures in a few days. The swarm left behind hunger and death for humans and animals alike. Joel sees the plague as God’s judgment on the nation, and he calls the people to repent.
Although based on a specific catastrophe, Joel’s reference in 2:1 to the coming day of the Lord looks beyond the current crisis to the future day of judgment. The people of his era glorified the “day of the Lord” as a time when God would overthrow Israel’s enemies and restore the nation to glory. They eagerly awaited the day of the Lord as a time of restoration. Here Joel warns the day of the Lord comes like a plague of locusts. Yes, it destroys the enemies of God. But when Israel allows injustice and poverty to flourish, Israel itself has become God’s enemy. Therefore, Joel’s prophecy of the coming day of the Lord calls for repentance and grief for the many sins of the people.
In verse 12, the description of God’s judgment takes an unexpected turn. “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart.” God is merciful and will forgive. God is slow to anger, generous in love, and slow to punish (v. 13). Joel calls the people to fast and pray. He tells them to show God their grief and sorrow. It was usual to tear one’s garments and heap ashes on one’s head in grief and repentance. But Joel also warns against empty ritual: “rend your hearts and not your clothing” (v. 13). The repentance God wishes is deep within the heart and leads to a positive change of behavior.
Joel calls aged people, children, and infants to sanctify themselves and become once more God’s holy people. He calls the bridegroom and bride to pray and repent. The priests weep and petition God to spare the people. God’s saving act is presented as both a blessing to the people and a way to save God’s reputation among the Gentile nations that mock the troubles of the Israelites.
Ash Wednesday is an occasion for Christians to gather in fasting, repentance, and prayer. In some denominations, the minister or priest marks the foreheads of worshipers with ashes to symbolize their willingness to repent. Marking people with ashes is not a tradition of Community of Christ. However, ashes can be a meaningful symbol for sin and repentance, making Ash Wednesday a good day to reflect on our separation from God and make amends. At the heart of this Christian celebration is turning toward God in full devotion.
Central Ideas
- Although God hates injustice and sin, God is merciful and slow to anger.
- True repentance occurs deep within a person’s being and goes beyond ritual and symbol.
- It is not just individuals who are called to repentance, but the community of all people, of all ages and orientations.
Questions for the Speaker
- What are some ways to show God a sincere spirit of repentance?
- How does your congregation celebrate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent? What might strengthen that celebration and help the people understand its significance?
- God is slow to anger. What does that mean in our world today, where different judgments are being passed on various peoples and cultures around the world?
