LAKEPORT, Calif. – The public is invited to the Ash Wednesday service of prayers and dispensation of ashes on Feb. 18 at noon at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1190 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

Chaplain Ron Martin will be presiding. 

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the Christian season of Lent.

The ashes used are made from the burning of palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday service. 

Ashes are placed on the forehead of participants in the sign of the cross as the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” are said, a reminder of our mortality – that they are on Earth for a short time.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, which is a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter.

According to Deborah Smith, St. John's senior warden, “Repentance does not mean groveling; it means assessing your relationships with others and with God and finding renewal in the grace of Divine Love.”