Ash Wednesday services

Area churches have scheduled the following services for Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40day penitential season of Lent. The Lenten season is a time when many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on the suffering, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 204 Genesee St., Chittenango will hold Ash Wednesday services at noon on Feb. 14. Parking is available behind the church, which is handi- capped accessible.

CochranMemorial Presbyterian Church, 11 State St., Oneida Castle, will hold an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. on Feb. 14.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 4897 Old Oneida Road in Verona, will offer drive-through ashes on Feb. 14 from 6:30-9 a.m. Those who are not able to attend a worship service that day can follow the signs in the parking lot and receive a cross of ashes on their forehead without getting out of the car. St. Peter’s will also offer drivers and passengers a complimentary cup of coffee. St. Peter’s will also offer traditional AshWednesday worship services at noon and 7 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church and Christ Church United Methodist will hold a combined Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at Christ Church, 417 Park St. in Sherrill.

Grace Lutheran Church, 3965 Carter Road, Canastota, will hold a soup supper at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14, followed by an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

Distribution of Ashes at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will take place at each Mass on Feb. 14. At St. Joseph’s, 121 St. Joseph Place in Oneida, Masses will be offered at 8 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. At St. Patrick’s, 347 Main St. in Oneida, Masses will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.