Ebenezer Today marks the beginning of Lent, a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Historically, Lent began as a period of and preparation for baptism by converts and later became a time of repentance and renewal for all Christians. Ash Wednesday is a time to recognize our mortality, sinfulness, and need for a Savior; to renew our commitment to daily repentance; and to remember with confidence and gratitude that Christ has conquered sin and death. The special time of worship serves as a witness to the power of our union with Christ and to the daily dying to self and rising with Christ that this union entails.

February 17, 2021 6:30 pm

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Lenten Words to Live By ...... Heritage Quartet

Greeting and Opening Prayer ...... (in unison) ...... Rev. Tim Paul O Lord our God, Help us by self-denial, prayer and meditation to prepare our hearts for penitence and deeper commitment to you. Give us a true longing to be free from sin through the deliverance won by Jesus our Savior. Amen.

RETURN: Draw near to God.

Old Testament Reading ...... Joel 2:1, 12-13, 15 ...... Heather Harmon a. Prayer (in unison): Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your unfailing love. Blot out our transgressions; wash us thoroughly from our iniquities. Cleanse us from our sins for we acknowledge our transgressions. Soften our hearts as we return to you. Amen.

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REPENT: Turn away from sin.

Old Testament Reading ...... Isaiah 58:1-3, 6-7, 9 ...... Kevin Young a. Prayer (in unison): O God, Maker of everything and judge of all you have made, by the redemptive power of the cross, create in us clean hearts and change us from the inside out. Empower us to repent of our sins and lead lives worthy of your calling. Amen.

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RENEW – Restore relationships with God and others.

New Testament Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ...... Cathy Paul a. Prayer (in unison): Merciful and almighty God, we know you do not desire the death of the sinner but that we turn from wickedness and live. Accept our repentance, forgive our sins and restore us by your Holy Spirit to newness of life. Amen.

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Gospel Lesson ...... Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 ...... Rev. Nancy Twigg

Prayer of Repentance ...... (read responsively) ...... Rev. Nancy Twigg Pastor: Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. People: Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Pastor: Wash me clean from my guilt. People: Purify me from my sin. Pastor: Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; People: I have done what is evil in your sight. Pastor: Purify me from my sin, and I will be clean; People: Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Pastor: Create in me a clean heart, O God, People: Renew a loyal spirit within me. Pastor: Restore to me the joy of your salvation, People: And make me willing to obey you. Pastor: You do not desire a sacrifice or I would offer one. People: You do not want a burnt offering. Pastor: The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit; People: You will not reject a repentant heart, O God.

Imposition of Ashes

Music

Closing Benediction ...... Rev. Tim Paul

IMPORTANT NOTE regarding the removal of the ashes: In accordance with church tradition, the ashes used for this service were obtained by burning the dry palm leaves from last year’s Palm Sunday service. The ashes were ground and mixed with a small amount of olive oil. To remove the ashes, you should wipe the ashes first with a dry towel or cloth. If mixed with water, the ashes can create a solution that may irritate or burn the skin.

John Wesley, the founder of , described as “inward and outward righteousness: holiness of life, arising from holiness of heart.” Perfection can be summed up in one word: love—loving God with all of your heart, soul and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself. Holiness of life naturally flows out of holiness of heart.

Works of Piety are the things that we can do to nurture God’s presence in our lives.  Biblical basis: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Matthew 22:37  Practical examples: Small Bible study groups, prayer, worship, the Lord’s Supper, Scripture and fasting (abstaining from food or things that hinder God’s presence in your life).

Works of Mercy are the things that we can do to share God’s love with others.  Biblical basis: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39.  Practical examples: Be a part of giving and missions by helping to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, welcome strangers, visit the sick and prisoners, or by being a peacemaker.

This Lenten season challenge yourself to try new works of piety and as you strive to order your life around loving God and loving others.