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RAYMOND — Raymond Village Community Church invites the public in an indoor pilgrimage during the church’s annual Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the church, 27 Main St. The service will last from 45 minutes to an hour.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, the period of time when Christians prepare for Easter.
During the service, participants will move as a group from place to place within the church, gathering the tools they will need for their Lenten journey. “A physical pilgrimage — even around the church — enables a richer understanding of the meaning and significance of Ash Wednesday, a step toward making Lent and the entire Easter season a richer and more powerful experience,” explained Nancy Foran, pastor.
The “tools” participants will experience include prayer — for a stronger connection to God; light — to see them through times of darkness; scripture — providing the guidepos; reflection and forgiveness — to lighten the load; ashes — to be reminded of one’s own mortality; and communion — for nourishment on the journey.
“This service immerses people in sights, sounds, tastes, touches and smells as they help spread candlelight throughout the church, drop stones in a clanging bowl symbolically releasing their burdens, sing while moving from place to place, and experience Communion, all enhanced by the scent of burning incense,” Foran noted. “There will also be readings and time for quiet meditation at each location.”
Those who are not able to proceed with the group will have the contents of each location brought to them.
Raymond Village Community Church is a United Church of Christ congregation. It is a diverse faith community embracing tolerance, committed to missions and outreach, singing joyfully, and welcoming all people no matter where they are on their faith journey.
For information, email the Foran at nancy1@maine.rr.com, or call the church at 207-655-7749.
