Episcopal Church Celebrates Ash Wednesday

St. Mark's on the Hill Episcopal Church celebrated the first day of Lent with a noontime Ash Wednesday service.

The church, led by the Rev. Adrien Dawson, plans a second service at 7:30 p.m.

During the service Dawson led a blessing and Imposition of Ashes, a ritual reminding congregants that "Out of the dust we have been made and to the dust we return," she said.

It's a time for Christians to embrace that idea and "know that there is a God greater than death," she said.

It also assures that no one walks through life alone, she said during the service.

"Putting the very ashes of death upon our foreheads ... we know we will make this journey (of life) with each other, with Christ and God."

As part of Lent, that leads up to Easter, many congregants vow to give up something they love, or something that will be difficult to do without.

What did Dawson give up? "My cell phone," she said.

That would be why she doesn't answer it for a while. Instead, try email: revdawson@comcast.net.

The church is located at 1620 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. For more information, call 410-486-3016.

What did you give up for Lent this year, or what have you given up in the past? Are you always successful? Put your answer in the Comments section below this article.