4310 Highway E, New Haven, MO 63068 573 237-5837
From New Haven we are located 8.7 miles down Highway E off Route 100
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24TH, 7:00 PM.
The History and Meaning of Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, originally called dies cinerum (day of ashes) is mentioned in the earliest copies of the Gregorian Sacramentary, and probably dates from at least the 8th Century. One of the earliest descriptions of Ash Wednesday is found in the writings of the Anglo-Saxon abbot Aelfric (955-1020). In his Lives of the Saints, he writes, "We read in the books both in the Old Law and in the New that the men who repented of their sins bestrewed themselves with ashes and clothed their bodies with sackcloth."
As Aelfric suggests, the pouring of ashes on one's body (and dressing in sackcloth) as an outer manifestation of inner repentance or mourning is an ancient practice. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. What is probably the earliest occurrence is found at the very end of the book of Job. Job, having been rebuked by God, confesses, "Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). Other examples are found in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1,3, Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 6:26, Ezekiel 27:30, and Daniel 9:3. In the New Testament, Jesus alludes to the practice in Matthew 11:21: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes."
Ash Wednesday, like the season of Lent, is never mentioned in Scripture. Christians are free to either observe or not observe it. It also should be obvious that the imposition of ashes, like similar external practices, are meaningless, even hypocritical, unless there is a corresponding inner repentance and change of behavior.
The History and Meaning of Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, originally called dies cinerum (day of ashes) is mentioned in the earliest copies of the Gregorian Sacramentary, and probably dates from at least the 8th Century. One of the earliest descriptions of Ash Wednesday is found in the writings of the Anglo-Saxon abbot Aelfric (955-1020). In his Lives of the Saints, he writes, "We read in the books both in the Old Law and in the New that the men who repented of their sins bestrewed themselves with ashes and clothed their bodies with sackcloth."
As Aelfric suggests, the pouring of ashes on one's body (and dressing in sackcloth) as an outer manifestation of inner repentance or mourning is an ancient practice. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. What is probably the earliest occurrence is found at the very end of the book of Job. Job, having been rebuked by God, confesses, "Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). Other examples are found in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1,3, Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 6:26, Ezekiel 27:30, and Daniel 9:3. In the New Testament, Jesus alludes to the practice in Matthew 11:21: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes."
Ash Wednesday, like the season of Lent, is never mentioned in Scripture. Christians are free to either observe or not observe it. It also should be obvious that the imposition of ashes, like similar external practices, are meaningless, even hypocritical, unless there is a corresponding inner repentance and change of behavior.
Whether you are exploring historic Christianity or looking for a church home, you are warmly invited to join us this Sunday. We exist to glorify the God of all grace, to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to be sent by the Holy Spirit as witnesses and ambassadors of God's glorious Kingdom. Come and be a part of a growing worshiping and serving community of faith.
If you feel uncomfortable about coming inside to worship, come up to church and join
others by listening to our worship service from you automobile radio, tune in to 97.3 FM.
Sunday School: 9:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship: 10:15 am
St. James Evangelical Church where
the Word of God is heard and
practiced in the lives of God's people.
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Below you will find the most recent sermon
Other sermons can be found by clicking the above "Sermon" link.
Below you will find the most recent sermon
Other sermons can be found by clicking the above "Sermon" link.
