Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, is the first day of the Season of Lent which is the beginning of the Easter Period of the Church's calendar, remembering Jesus 40 days in the desert preparing for his mission that would end in his death (Easter)

Its name comes from the ancient practice of placing ashes on worshipers’ heads or foreheads as a sign of humility before God, a symbol of mourning and sorrow at the death that sin brings into the world. 

Ash Wednesday is a somber day of reflection on what needs to change in our lives if we are to be fully Christian.

Watch and listen to the Archbishop of Canterbury reflecting on 'Lent'

The placing of ashes on one's forehead or hand is for the whole congregation in services similar to those that are now observed in many Christian churches on Ash Wednesday. Ashes became symbolic of that attitude of penitence reflected in the Lord’s prayer:  “forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us”  (Luke 11:4, NRSV). 

When we hold our Ash Wednesday service (March 9), you can receive ashes on your forehead or hand on your way out of the Chapel.


God Bless
Pa Richard


PS On Tuesday we have Shrove Tuesday which is a bit of fun, but historically is seen as the last day to use up 'rich' foods in preparation to fast and go without as a reminder to rely on God's love for our spiritual food rather than fill our lives with 'things', and  to share what we have.

Mardi Gras or Carnival

Carnival, which comes from a Latin phrase meaning "removal of meat," is the three day period preceding the beginning of Lent, the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday immediately before Ash Wednesday. The three days before Ash Wednesday are also known as Shrovetide ("shrove" is an Old English word meaning "to repent"). 

The Tuesday just before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday, or is more popularly known by the French term Mardi Gras, meaning "Fat Tuesday," contrasting to the fasting during Lent. The entire three day period has now come to be known in many areas as Mardi Gras.

The Power of Music

I often play music during religious education classes, but not always hymns or 'standard religious music'. There is nothing wrong with these tracks that I also have a large collection, I am however, captured by the power of music in general and the message of hope, peace and justice, of connection and especially of love.


The Ulanov's comment in their book called 'Primary Speech' about prayer that desire and a movement towards something outside of ourselves is a beginning of prayer.


It has always been a feature of good music that it affects a generation, that one song, group, or cause creates change. As St Augustine is quoted as saying, "Singing is praying twice", and we know ourselves how it can lift us, inspire us, keep us mired in the muck of anger or pain, and free us from it by giving it a voice.


I was at a concert last night with my daughter and buckets were passed around to collect donations of for Christchurch people and their extreme need of our support. Each of the musicians expressed a heart felt connection to the cause and the people of Dunedin, thought small in number gave generously.


It was a pleasure to be a part of something that makes a difference.


Thanks to OP Shop, Midnight Youth and of course Brooke Fraser.


 Golden love. (I just found it quite powerful along with One Day and Water...)