Ash Wednesday | Email from Feb 16, 2026

God's blessings to you in the middle of this spring semester!  This Wednesday we begin a forty-day journey through the season of Lent, heading toward the celebration of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection for our salvation.  Lent has traditionally been a time for fasting and repentance, beginning with Ash Wednesday.  Repentance is not something we can achieve by our own wisdom, strength, or effort.  It is a gift from God as He creates faith in us through His word and sacraments.

This Wednesday our Theology teachers will be gathered in the Flex Room offering ashes before the start of the school day to anyone who would like the sign of the cross either on their forehead or the back of their hand.  Ashes remind us of our mortality, but ashes in the shape of a cross mean something more.  We are reminded that Jesus died for us in order to destroy the power of death.  Death for the Christian has been changed into a doorway to everlasting life with God.  All of our students and staff are invited to receive a cross!  

When will the ashes be available? Ashes can be received in the Flex Room any time 7:00-7:35am.  For anyone who can't make it at that time, ashes will be available for a few minutes after chapel.

Is anyone required to participate? No, this is certainly an optional invitation!  

Where do the ashes come from?  These ashes are from palm branches that were used for last year's celebration of Palm Sunday (Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem).

If you have any further questions about Ash Wednesday or Lent, I would be happy to talk with you.  If you are looking for an Ash Wednesday evening service to attend, Grace Lutheran Church (in our driveway) would love to welcome you at 7pm.  

Blessings,

Daniel Vanderhyde  

Campus Pastor