One of the most solemn liturgies of the church year is the Ash Wednesday service. It has been noted that unlike the easy flow of the rest of the church year from one season into the next, Ash Wednesday represents an abrupt interruption. “Ash Wednesday is not a continuation or extension of the themes of the time after the Epiphany or even a bridge between Epiphany and Easter. It is not related to the recalling of the stages in the life of Christ. It comes as an unexpected interruption, almost without warning. It always catches us up short with its unwelcome message of mortality.” (Philip Pfatteicher, Journey into the Heart of God: Living the Liturgical Year, p. 140). Since so many of us have difficulty driving at night, we gather for worship on March 5 at noon. If you work during the day, maybe this is the day for a long lunch hour.