A sacred service of reflection, confession, and the imposition of ashes
Join us for a contemplative evening service marking the beginning of Lent. Together we’ll slow down, remember our mortality and belovedness, and receive ashes as a sign of our humanity and hope.
All are welcome. The service will be conducted in English. We recognize that Ash Wednesday holds deep meaning in many Latino communities, and while we aren’t able to offer the service in Spanish, Spanish-speakers are warmly invited to participate and receive ashes.
Todos son bienvenidos. El servicio se llevará a cabo en inglés. Reconocemos que el Miércoles de Ceniza tiene un significado profundo en muchas comunidades latinas, y aunque no podemos ofrecer el servicio en español, los hispanohablantes están cordialmente invitados a participar y recibir cenizas.
Offered by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
Can’t make it to the evening service? Stop by our parking lot on your way to work or school. The Episcopal Diocese will be offering ashes and brief prayers in the parking lot—no need to get out of your car. As a small act of care for our neighbors, we’ll have bagged lunches available for anyone who needs one.
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a 40-day journey toward Easter. It’s a day to pause and remember both our fragility and our belovedness—that we are dust, and to dust we shall return, and that even in our mortality, we are held in God’s love.
The ashes we receive are a physical reminder: we are finite creatures who need God’s grace, and we are invited to walk humbly through this season of reflection and renewal.
Whether this is your first Ash Wednesday or your fiftieth, whether you’re exploring faith or deeply rooted in it, you are welcome here.
What should I expect?
The service will include music, scripture, prayer, a brief reflection, and the opportunity to receive ashes on your forehead in the sign of the cross. The service will last about 45 minutes.
What if I don’t want to receive ashes?
That’s completely fine. You can simply remain seated when others come forward.
Is childcare available?
Children are always welcome in our worship services. We don’t offer separate childcare for this evening service, but families are encouraged to participate together in whatever way works best.
¿El servicio será en español?
El servicio vespertino será en inglés, pero los hispanohablantes son bienvenidos a participar en este momento sagrado y recibir cenizas.
Will the service be in Spanish?
The evening service will be in English, but Spanish-speakers are welcome to participate in this sacred observance and receive ashes.
Ekklesia Church at Raleigh
1725 N. New Hope Road
Raleigh, NC 27604 [map]
We share this beautiful space with other community organizations committed to justice and love. Learn more.
