St Andrew’s marked Ash Wednesday at the Thursday morning Eucharist this year! This meant that our normal Thursday congregation was doubled so it was very encouraging that a larger number were able to share together in this special service. Due to Covid we were each offered a small amount of ash dispensed from a teaspoon on our hand. With the other hand we then made the sign of the cross on our own forehead while the prayer was said. Although done in this different way, it was equally meaningful.
We were in good voice for the hymns and as a symbol of solidarity the Ukrainian setting for the music in the liturgy was used. There was a focus on Ukraine in our prayers and the words in the scripture passage from Joel chapter 2 seemed to speak powerfully and movingly of the situation there at this present time.
As we start our Lenten journey, many of us are using the Lent Retreat material provided by the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow which can be accessed via onlineprayer.net and includes a piece of art, scripture reading, reflection and music for each day. Alternatively for those who prefer their own copy of the material as opposed to online, there are books which can be collected from the back of the church. Books are free but donations are welcome!