Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The tradition of receiving ashes has early roots, back to the ancient Hebrew custom of clothing oneself in sackcloth and dusting oneself with ashes as a sign of penance.

"I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have laid my strength in the dust" Job 16:15

This long tradition - of externally recognising ourselves as sinners seeking renewal with God - ultimately transformed into what we know as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent which falls this year on Wednesday 5th March. We will mark this occasion at 10am in Monks Eleigh Church. There will be a Holy Communion service as well as being marked with ashes in the sign of the cross (optional)