Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 46 days before Easter. It is a moveable fast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.
According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, during which he endured temptation by Satan.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this 40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting.
Bluffton congregations will hold special Ash Wednesday services on Feb. 22. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.
St. John's United Church of Christ will hold at service at 7 p.m. according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor. The service will include communion and the imposition of ashes.
The Ohio Northern University Gospel Ensemble will perform during the 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, worship service at St. John's United Church of Christ, according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor.
The Ensemble was formed in 1987. Since that time it has traveled to many area churches each year on weekend trips and visited some of the member's home churches in Ohio and Michigan on spring break tours.
The ensemble sings primarily contemporary gospel music and much of its is a cappella. The motto of the ensemble is "Winning souls to Christ with a medody."
In commemoration of the sacrifices of four armed forces chaplains during World War II, The American Legion will observe Religious Emphasis Week Feb. 1 to 7 and Four Chaplains' Sunday, according to members of the Bluffton American Legion Post 382.
Members of the Bluffton Legion Post will attend the 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5 worship service at First United Methodist Church, Bluffton.
This year is the 68th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four chaplains on the ship. The
Cupid's Cupboard and Cafe is coming to St. John's United Church of Christ from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11.
The event includes a bake sale with Valetine treats packaged and wrapped.
The cafe menu includes homemade soups, sandwiches, relishes, pies and beverages. $5 for a meal or $2 for ala cart items.
Proceeds from the event go toward a church kitchen sink and counterfund project. The church is located at the corner of West College Avenue and South Jackson Street.
Bluffton University together with First Mennonite, Grace Mennonite, Lima Mennonite, and Salem Mennonite will host Ted and Company in the First Mennonite Church sanctuary at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6.
Ted and Company will present one of their newer shows, "I'd Like to Buy an Enemy." It is a show that is suited more for adults and youth rather than children.
Here is what the Ted and Company website says about this show:
"A hilarious and poignant satire that explores peace, justice, and the American way...
