Connectional Ash Wednesday

United Methodist pastors from around Shreveport and Bossier City are coming together on Valentine’s Day in the name of “Christ’s Love”.

These pastors are offering Prayer & Ashes at two locations during the lunch hour (12-1pm) on February 14, Ash Wednesday.

Flying Heart Brewery and Pub in Bossier City and Rhino Coffee Downtown Shreveport are where you can go to receive ashes and lift up prayers during your lunch break on February 14.

Pastors and laity will be on site to impose ashes for those who wish to receive them and prayer cards will be available for anyone who wishes to submit prayer requests. The sole motive in offering ashes and taking prayer requests at these locations is to simply connect with people and give them an opportunity to engage with the United Methodist Church, in the name of Jesus.

The United Methodist Church is a global denomination active in 125 countries whose collective mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

The envisioning pastor for Christ’s Love: Prayers & Ashes, Rev. Matt Rawle, emphasizes the purpose of this event, “We want to step out from our individual churches and unite under the one banner of the United Methodist Church. We’re a connectional denomination and being able to live into that by sharing Christ’s Love can reach so many people.”

According to United Methodist beliefs, Ash Wednesday focuses on our sinfulness before God and our human mortality, helping us to realize that both have triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a season when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline.

More information can be found on the United Methodist Church and Ash Wednesday at www.umc.org/what-we-believe

To find a United Methodist Church near you, visit www.umc.org/find-a- church