Come to Neighborhood Church at 1561 McLendon Ave on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 to mark the start of Lent with us! Ash Wednesday is when we remember that we were made from dust and one day when we die, to dust we will return. It is a day when we think about our own frailty, our own weaknesses, and we even wear that in a physical sign on our forehead. Ashes have served for centuries of Christendom as a reminder that we are frail and flawed creatures, in need of repentance and dependent on the grace of God. Sackcloth and ashes were used in Old Testament times as a symbol of debasement, mourning, and repentance. Someone wanting to show their repentant heart would often wear sackcloth, sit in ashes, and put ashes on top of their head. Therefore on Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten Season, we begin by remembering our own sinful and frail nature, so that we can journey through the season in faith and love.