Today is Ash Wednesday.  This signifies the beginning of Lent. 

QUESTION: Would you please explain the significance of Ash Wednesday? I've seen some people in the past with black ash crosses on their foreheads.

ANSWER: Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, a commentary on Lutheran Worship, one of our Synod's hymnals, says this about ashes on Ash Wednesday: "Other customs may be used, particularly the imposition of ashes on those who wish it. This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful reminder about the meaning of the day.

Ashes can symbolize dust-to-dustness and remind worshipers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God."

The use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a more recent custom among most LCMS congregations, although some have done it for decades. The ashes are usually derived from the burned palms from the previous Palm Sunday.

Experience will show, however, that in obtaining ashes this way, it doesn't take many ashes to "ash" a whole congregation. Like sin, they are very dirty and go a long way. One palm leaf will produce enough ashes for several years.

Usually the pastor takes the ashes on the end of his thumb and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each worshiper, saying these words: "Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This follows most effectively prior (or as part of) the Service Corporate Confession and Absolution on pages 290-291 of the Lutheran Service Book.

For more information, read about the significance of Lent.

Library time with our 8th grade buddies.  We did not check out books today, but we will next week. 

Pumpkin iron in the gym! 

Free choice time 

Meaingful print refers to words that are important to children.  Our friends love reading the letters in their friends names.  Because this print is meaningful to them, it will create a deeper pathway in the brain and will enhance information retention. 

We observed the ice and snow outside. 

"I am drawing ice people!" 

"Oh no! The ice people are melting!" 

The ice people appeared in our stories!  

Children's writing has progressive stages.  Although the children are not writing conventionally, they are actively writing.  Learn more about children's writing progression here.

"We are building a house to protect the animals from the snow!" 

"Watch this animal balance.  He might fall!  Oh no!" 

Legos strengthen fine motor skills and engage creative thinking, problem solving, and persistence! 

The friends collaborated to create this large structure!