The Episcopal Church of St. Martin in Davis, CA is offering a different way to observe Ash Wednesday this year.  On Feb 17th, from 12 pm – 1 pm, there will be a self-guided prayer walk throughout the church’s campus.  This has been designed to be an experiential way of exploring the themes of Ash Wednesday and all of Lent.  There are stations for reflecting on our connection to the Earth and all of creation – laments that our world is quite broken and that we have become fragmented by things like racism, environmental destruction, and political tribalism.  There will be space to reflect on our mortality, and on how Christ is continually offering opportunities for healing, restoration, and reconciliation in the midst of death.  Each station will include a reflection, activity, and audio reflections on our website that participants can access with their phones.  

This self-guided prayer walk will be available on Wednesday, Feb 17th from 12 pm – 1 pm and then again on Feb 20th from 2 pm – 4 pm.  Masks and social distancing will be required.  The St. Martin’s campus is located at 640 Hawthorn Lane in Davis.  

St. Martin’s Ash Wednesday observances will also include a modified Ashes-to-Go from 7 am to 8 am, and the day will conclude with a 7pm service, hosted on Zoom. The Zoom details will be made available at https://churchofstmartin.org/2021/01/28/lent-schedule/.

“Lent is not a gloom and doom season, but a journey of preparation,” said parishioner Carla Harris. “I like to think about Lent as a time to plant new seeds in the soil of my life. I can plant seeds of repentance, forgiveness, compassion and generosity through prayer, action and sacrifice. What can you do?”

Questions can be directed to info@churchofstmartin.org or 530-756-0444.