Beauty for ashes

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy oer your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

When what youve done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound Ive been set free
Ive been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

—by Crystal Lewis

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins the Season of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter. We will hold a 12 noon worship service at Christ Church in St. Marys and a 7 p.m. worship service this evening at King of Peace.

At King of Peace we also allow, as part of confession, an opportunity for sin burning. A smokeless fire (made of rubbing alcohol soaked rock salt) is lit and the congregation can consign to the consuming flames whatever anyone wishes to write down on paper, leaving behind those things that separate us from God as we begin the season of preparation for Easter. Though confession of sins is a traditional part of Ash Wednesday, the "sing burning" is not. It was adapted from something done at a middle school retreat to be added to worship at King of Peace.

Please join us as we begin our journey toward the cross and the empty tomb.