Weekly Update - Epiphany 8 | Church of the Ascension

Dear Ascension family,

As we approach the sacred season of Lent, I invite you to join us for worship and reflection this Sunday, the last Sunday before Lent. This service offers an opportunity to prepare our hearts for Lent, seeking renewal and drawing closer to God.

Fr. Julian will be preaching, sharing a message that will encourage and challenge us as we prepare for this season of prayer, fasting, and repentance.

"Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love." – Joel 2:13

I also invite you to join us for our Ash Wednesday service on March 5 at 6:30 pm. Through prayer, Scripture, and the imposition of ashes, we remember our need for God’s mercy and grace. As we hear the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," we will be reminded of our dependence on the Lord and His steadfast love.

Lent is a season for all ages, and Ash Wednesday offers a beautiful opportunity for families to grow in faith together. Bringing children to this service helps them understand the importance of repentance, grace, and God’s love. The simple yet powerful act of receiving ashes can make a lasting impression, teaching them the value of humbling ourselves before God.

This service lasts for less than an hour and will meet in the Common Room of Parkway Estates: 5360 205 Street, Langley.

I hope to see you there.

Fr. Ken

Observe a Holy Lent

As the Church enters the season of Lent, many Christians find themselves asking, "What is Lent, and how can I observe it meaningfully?" I became a Christian in a church that did not observe Lent. Many in our Ascension family have the same background.

Lent is Latin for spring and is meant to be a sacred time of spiritual renewal, a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance that prepares us to celebrate the victory of Christ at Easter. It is a journey of the heart, a call to deepen our relationship with God and realign our lives with His will.

The Meaning of Lent

Lent is a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter Sunday. It mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, enduring temptation and preparing for His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). During this time, Christians are invited to reflect on their lives, repent of their sins, and grow in faith. It is a time to strip away distractions and turn our hearts more fully to God.

The key themes of Lent include:

Repentance – Acknowledging our sins and seeking God’s mercy.
Fasting – Voluntarily giving up certain comforts or habits to draw closer to God.
Prayer – Deepening our communication with the Lord.
Almsgiving – Practicing generosity and compassion toward others.

Please consider what you might want to do this year to observe a Holy Lent!

Wednesday, March 5, 6:30 pm

Join us this Ash Wednesday as we begin the sacred season of Lent with a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Through the imposition of ashes, we are reminded of our mortality and our need for God’s grace. Come and worship as we turn our hearts toward Christ and prepare for the journey to Easter.

Location:
Common Room of Parkway Estates
5360 205 Street, Langley