ASH WEDNESDAY
March 5, 2025 · 6:00PM
Smoke Rise Baptist Church
O
PENING
LITANY
Dr. Jim Smith
Jesus began His ministry to the world, led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
As we begin our Lenten journey, let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable places.
In those forty days, and in that place, Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt and temptation.
As we seek to follow Jesus, we would be led, even into the uncomfortable choices.
Jesus left the wilderness, faithful and obedient to God, rejoicing in the One in Whom He trusted.
As we continue on our path to faithfulness, we will be led by our Christ, rejoicing in the Lord our God.
CHORAL INTROIT
Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley
American Folk Hymn arranged by John Ferguson Mike Holt, soloist
RESPONSIVE PRAYER
Rev. Hannah Vassar
O God, have mercy on us, we pray. In your mercy, make us clean from our sins. Wipe away every failing and make us new in Your sight. Restore us, deliver us and re-create us, O Lord.
CHORAL PSALM
Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
Words, Psalm 51; Music, Carl Mueller
A
FFIRMATION: John 15:9-10 Rev. Vassar
9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. HYMN O Love That Will Not
S
CRIPTURE READING: II Corinthians 5:16-6:2
Rev. Bart McNiel
16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!
HOMILY Who Are You?
IMPOSITION OF ASHES
BENEDICTION
Dr. Chris George
Dr. George
Children ages 3 through second grade will be meeting in room 207
~ Please depart in silence and with reverence. ~