BRIEFLY IN WORSHIP

Ash Wednesday services planned

On Wednesday, Christians around the world begin the season of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation for Good Friday and Easter.

Local churches are planning special services for this day, which comes after “Fat Tuesday.”

The Lenten Season is a 40-day period recalling Christ’s fast in the desert, prior to His crucifixion, death, and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Lent is a season of penitence and renewal.

Ash Wednesday is a day for Christians to meditate on their mortality, reflect on their values and practices, and begin a time of renewal.

The ashes placed on foreheads symbolize human mortality, sorrow, and repentance.

?Neighborhood Congregational Church of Laguna Beach, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, is hosting a soup supper at 6 p.m. prior to an Ash Wednesday worship service led by the Rev. B. J. Beu at 7 p.m. All are invited for a simple dinner and quiet time of Taize music, reflective prayer, and the “imposition of ashes.”

For more information, call (949) 494-8061.

?Laguna Presbyterian Church is holding an Ash Wednesday Communion Service at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary, 415 Forest Ave.

Call (949) 494-7555.