Families welcome at Ash Wednesday worship at Gary UMC in Wheaton

On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, families with young children are invited to an interactive worship experience at 5:30 p.m. at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton.

Families will explore the meaning of this holy season, create their own Lenten activity calendars, and receive ashes together. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer and repentance that prepares Christians for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Other ways to experience Ash Wednesday include “Ashes to Go” at the College Avenue train station in Wheaton from 7 to 8 a.m.

Pastors from the church will provide ashes and a short prayer. You can also receive “Ashes to Go” in the church parking lot from 9 to 10 a.m. Traditional Ash Wednesday worship at the church will be at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, 224 N. Main St.

The church has celebrated deep roots in the community since 1853. It has vibrant music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. Sunday worship is at 9 and 11:11 a.m. In-between services, there’s Sunday school for all ages, a coffee fellowship hour, plus the chapel is available for prayer and reflection. For more information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.