CHURCHES TO JOIN FOR ASH WEDNESDAY.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

With somber words and ashes applied in the shape of a cross on foreheads, Christians will observe Ash Wednesday today.

The day marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day preparation leading to Easter.

``It's a time of self-examination, study, prayer, spiritual reflection and renewal,'' said the Rev. Julia Christian of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Simi Valley. ``All the great religions of the world have their time of fasting and repentance. For Christians, this is our time.''

Three Simi Valley churches, Our Redeemer Lutheran, Our Savior Lutheran and St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal, will hold a joint Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m. today. The interdenominational service will include ashes and the sacrament of Holy Communion.

``The ashes symbolize humility and penitence. Also, the cleaning and opening of our hearts to God. The sign of the cross symbolizes that we are saved through the cross of Jesus,'' said the Rev. Leslie Soyster of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

For about 10 years, the churches have held the joint service, but this is the first year the congregations have come together under the new ``Called to Common Mission'' agreement, which allows the Episcopal and Lutheran churches to recognize the sacraments and have a full exchange of clergy, Soyster said.

The ashes traditionally come from the burning of the palms used at last year's Palm Sunday service.

``The ash mark is a meaningful symbol. Some people would say this service is nonessential. You almost have to be an 'insider' to grasp the meaning of Ash Wednesday in our time,'' said the Rev. John Wilker of Our Savior Lutheran Church. ``But I think many people have lost a sense of preparation before the celebration of Easter. The ash is a mark of humility and a reminder for us to take on special disciplines while focusing on what Christ has done for us.''

For many Christians, Ash Wednesday is the day to decide on some form of self-denial. Children often choose to give up candy or soda. Adults may choose to fast at some time during the 40 days, excluding Sundays, before Easter.

``Some people say that they are giving up chocolate. But in the spirit of Lent, it really should be something more significant. Something like giving up one's free time to support a worthy cause, like helping at a soup kitchen,'' Soyster said.

Pope Gregory I is credited with establishing the observance of Ash Wednesday in the 4th century as the day to begin penance and examine one's conduct and behavior before the celebration of Easter.

The date of Ash Wednesday is determined by the date of Easter. Easter is determined by the first Sunday in spring after the full moon, on or after the vernal equinox. Easter is on April 15 this year.

The joint Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 W. Bonnie Drive, Simi Valley.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo: The Rev. Julia Christian, left, the Rev. John Wilker and the Rev. Leslie Soyster will hold a joint Ash Wednesday service.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer