Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season offers hope at Christ Church

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and an opportunity to make time to examine our lives, look at the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus and let go of anything that keeps us from living the life for which we were created.

Though things look different this year, Christ Church invites the public to in person and online worship for Ash Wednesday services at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at both its Oak Brook campus at 501 Oak Brook Road and Butterfield location at 2S361 Glen Park Road in Lombard.

"This is a time for inward preparation and to go deeper in our relationship with God. This includes more prayer, more focus on our faith by removing distractions, and demonstrating a more charitable spirit in giving to others," the Rev. Rick Glyman, executive pastor for Spiritual Growth at Christ Church Oak Brook said. "There are many things in this world that we cannot control - but our own personal growth and development is always in our power to choose."

But Rev. Glyman said the services are not just for those who are grounded in faith but can offer insight to how people can implement practical steps for positive change for themselves and others.

"I believe this Lent can truly be a lifechanging, future altering time in each of our lives," said Rev. Glyman. "On Ash Wednesday we will consider together three clear decisions we can make that will change our lives for the better - not just for Lent, but forever."

The imposition of ashes will be safely administered at each campus. The public is invited to in-person services but will need to register and follow health safety protocols. For more information on how to attend services in person and online and to register for Ash Wednesday, visit ChristChurch.us/Ash.

About Christ Church: Founded in 1965, Christ Church is a multisite, nondenominational church in the Chicago suburbs with more than 6,000 members. Christ Church features a variety of inspiring worship options including classic, classic communion and contemporary services. All people are offered the opportunity to build life-

changing relationships with God and one another with a rich range of spiritual growth resources, and a selection of service ministries aimed at creating positive change in the world. Weekend services are held at the Oak Brook and Butterfield locations, as well as via livestream at ChristChurch.us/online. For more information, visit ChristChurch.us.