East County Shared Ministry Hosts Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service

On Wednesday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m., East County Shared Ministry (ECSM) will host an Ash Wednesday service in the historic Camp Stoneman Chapel (Community Presbyterian Church) located at 200 E. Leland Road (between Railroad and Harbor) in Pittsburg. ECSM consists of Community Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg and First Congregational Church of Antioch, and they will be joined by Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church.

This service is for honoring the first day of Lent and recognizing Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. Lent is a time when many denominations prepare for Easter in varying practices, including ashes on the foreheads of worshipers.

The service will utilize the four elements – air, water, fire and earth – to explore the importance of Lent. Music, meditation, ritual, prayer and imposing the ashes will be used to enlighten and enrich.

“The Ash Wednesday service provides a contemplative opportunity for personal reflection and prayer as we begin the season of Lent,” commented Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage who, along with Rev. Will McGarvey and Rev. Gail Doering, will be leading the service.

About East County Shared Ministry

ECSM recognizes, celebrates and gives thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us.  All are invited to participate in their community and worship life including, but not limited to, believers, seekers, agnostics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, those of all races and cultures, those of all classes and abilities, those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope.

As they like to say every Sunday, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Services are every Sunday at 10 a.m. Check their newsletter for details and other events of interest.