By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County News, LLC
Latta Methodist Church held an Ash Wednesday Service marking the beginning of Lent.
The congregation prayed a breakthrough prayer. This was followed with the Old Testament reading, Joel 2:12-15. The responsive greeting was read. The Call To Worship was “We Gather Together.”
This was followed by the Prayer of Confession. The congregation sang “The Gift of Love.” The Scripture reading was Matthew 6:16-18.
The invitation to the observance of Lenten discipline and thanksgiving over the ashes was given. Pastor Matt Scott said the Lenten season is a season of reflection and preparation much like the Advent season at Christmas, a season of waiting. We await, we remember, and we reflect on what Jesus has done for us and this evening reflect on how we have separated ourselves from God. We acknowledge that sometimes we fall short, but that Jesus has died for every one of us. As we receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads, we remember how we are dust and to dust we shall return and are reminded up the need to repent and believe in the Gospel. He said we ask God for forgiveness of our sins. He talked about how sometimes people give up something during Lent, but it is important what you replace it with and that it brings you closer to God.
There was a time of personal prayer and reflection. Pastor Matt played the guitar and sang “Come As You Are” and “The Prodigal Son.”
After these selections, the congregation sang “I Surrender All.” This was followed by the reading of Romans 6:1-14. This was followed by the homily by Pastor Matt.
Pastor Matt said we need to repent and turn away from our sin. He said when we ask God for our forgiveness, our slate is wiped clean. The season Lent is a time of reflection, passing away our personal needs and desires, looking to God. It is a time to move closer to God.
He said the Lenten season is a beautiful time in the church because we have the opportunity to intentionally reflect and intentionally grow closer to God the next 40 days.
There was a prayer by Pastor Matt.
This was followed by the sacrament of Holy Communion. The ash was wiped from everyone’s heads as a symbol that our sins are washed away, and we are a new creation.
The closing song was “Something Beautiful.” Pastor Matt gave the benediction, and the service concluded with the reminder that “The best of all is, God is with us.”
To watch the entire service, please visit
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Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
