What is up with the Ashes?
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
The death and resurrection of Jesus is the big story line of the Bible. t's no surprise, then, that a majority of Christians celebrate it every year on Easter Sunday.
Lent, in the Christian church, is a period of preparation for Easter. The period starts six and a half weeks before Easter, and lasts for 40-days. Many people fast or give up something for this holiday. The rationale is to mimic Jesus Christ's fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.
What is up with the Ashes?
The ashes are an outward sign of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins. During some Ash Wednesday services, people will go to church, and the minister or priest will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.
As we think about inclusion and diversity, religion identity is an essential factor in how people define themselves.
A popular Christian verse:
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
This information was provided by the Diversity and Inclusion manager of a global organisation based in the UK. Feel free to use this for your organisations to help all staff whatever faith or non faith learn about the Christian faith.
Other Easter Ideas
| A report on the Barclays Christian Forum Easter event |
| The Christian Staff Network joined with the Black Professionals Network of Barclays in Canary Wharf to arrange an event: 'Easter - The Passion'. Key leaders spoke of their faith |
| Elizabeth recently attended the Christians in Government Easter service in Westminster. John Kirkby of CAP brought reflections and told how God has used CAP to help many |
| Sefton Council CWG looks outwards and holds an Alpha course together with nearby groups and provides Easter eggs for council employees |
| The Sefton Council Christian Workplace Group put on a varied Easter display for staff at the Council - as suggested by their Personnel Manager! |
| Easter is on it's way... what a great opportunity to share the heart of Christianity - Jesus' Death, Resurrection and Ascension. Here are some ideas. Do let us know if you are planning something new. |
| And the winner recieves a The Real Easter Egg from the meaningful chocolate company? |
| WOW - it's been amazing to discover so many brilliant activities and initiatives from Christian Workplace Groups who with permission from management have shared the Good News of Jesus with all staff whatever faith or non faith. |
| We wanted to do something different and memorable and fun that would last. Easter eggs get eaten and forgotten... |
| Literally just got all of the sites to pay for hot cross buns for everyone.
I’m hoping to draft a message with details of the churches closest to the offices and get that promoted. |
| Meryl explains the periods of prayer and fasting that the PwC Christian Network as arranged through Advent and Lent |
| A Christian Workplace Group offers an example of supporting a local charity through the proceeds of an Easter service
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| President Richard Waller of Christians in Library and Information Services, shares his resolute thoughts on Easter and the Coronavirus |
| Easter is on it's way... what a great opportunity to share the heart of Christianity - Jesus' Death, Resurrection and Ascension. Here are some ideas. Do let us know if you are planning something new. |