The Houston United Methodist Church is holding an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. Feb. 18.
The Rev. Terry Lippstreu, pastor of the Houston church, said the service is open to all in the community who would like to experience the traditional Christian ritual.
“Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a period of 40 days leading up to Easter,” Lippstreau said. “During this time, Christians around the world prepare for Easter by observing a period of prayer, spiritual discipline, moderation, repentance, and sometimes fasting.”
During the service, the sign of the cross will be rubbed onto the foreheads of worshippers as a reminder of their mortality and need for repentance.
“This also reminds us that we belong to Christ, and as such, in the days ahead we will try to live that out as fully and openly as we can,” Lippstreu said.
The church will also hold a Lenten Bible Study at 6 every Tuesday night during the Lent period that is open to the public. The study will begin Feb. 24 and end March 31.