February 14, 2026
Ashes-to-go and Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Share
by Michael Plekon
Every year, Christians move through the months with different seasons and festivals. The Christmas-Epiphany season is just finishing, and before that, in December, was Advent, is a time of preparation and anticipation of the Christmas feast of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
This year, on Ash Wednesday, February 18, Christians will start the season of Lent, a forty-day period of prayer and good works. It leads up to Holy Week, when Jesus’ last supper, his trial, crucifixion, death and burial are commemorated on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday, April 5. Borrego churches and the BMA gather behind the Methodist Church for a Sunrise Service. St. Barnabas has a simple Eucharist right afterwards and a festive service at the regular 9:30am time.
Why ashes? The Hebrew Bible has many references to ashes as a sign of sorrow and repentance for the evil one has done. Job places ashes on his head to acknowledge his failing in faith (42:6) Tamar also. (2 Sam. 13: 19) The entire people use ashes to express their desire to turn away from sin and back to God. (Numb. 19:9) And there are quite a few other examples. In our time there are gestures of admitting guilt and asking forgiveness, something that happens in courthouses after a trial concludes. In our families and circles of friends, at times we need to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness of those we have wronged. And accept the forgiveness of others as well.
The ashes are put on a person’s forehead with the words, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19) Usually there are other things about which people ask for prayers—relatives who are ill, friends facing tough times with finances, work, relationships.
Contrary to what some might think, ashes and Lent are anything but gloomy or self-imposed sorrow. The word “lent” comes from an Old English word for the spring slowly coming, lencten. Yes, it connotes the lengthening of the days, more sunshine and warmth, which in years long ago meant release from cold, planting of crops, and the joy of spring and summer. Easter and its Jewish precedent, Passover/ Pesach, bears some of the same meanings—release from bondage, life triumphing over death. The encounters with folks on the Christmas Circle and in church are anything but morose, whether they drive up and stay in their vehicles or park and walk up, or line up for ashes after the BYOB music or at the afternoon service. There is joy, maybe even a lightness in their step. The clergy of Borrego will be there at The Circle in shifts starting at 8am, continuing till noon. And ashes will be available as mention, at church. In addition to taking daily prayer mor seriously, there are many things one can do in Lent. It used to be assumed that alcohol and desserts would be given up. This is fine if you so choose. Giving more for food insecurity, volunteering at food banks, even seeking out family and friends to make sure you are at peace with them—all of these are wonderful Lenten practices. Happy Lent.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Monday, May 4 at St. Barnabas A low-cost spay and neuter clinic hosted by Animal Action League will take place on Monday, May 4 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church , 2680 Country Club Road in Borrego Springs. The clinic will offer affordable veterinary services for cats and dogs, including spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and microchipping . These services help reduce unwanted litters while supporting the long-term health, safety, and identification of companion animals in the Borrego Springs area. While pets are being cared for, the church will remain open to those waiting. Coffee will be available, creating a comfortable space during the morning hours. Check out this article about the last event. Animal Action League A Non-Profit Spay & Neuter Clinic Tax ID # 33-0345283 Call for an appointment: Office English: (760) 366-1100 Office Spanish: (760) 366-1105 Fax: (760) 366-7300 Email: aalreservations@gmail.com Mailing Address: PO Box 1413 Joshua Tree, CA 92252 Learn More About Borrego Springs
Kundalini Bianco at The Mall A new wellness studio has opened at The Mall in Borrego Springs. Kundalini Bianco , Center for Nervous System and Soul Integration, is now offering weekly classes on the second floor in Suite #219. The schedule includes movement, Kundalini yoga, sound bowl healing, chanting, and humming. For locals and seasonal visitors looking for regular wellness classes in Borrego Springs, these weekly offerings add something new to the local mix. Below is the current class schedule, with days and times that are important to share clearly for spring into early summer. New Studio at The Mall Cherie Bianco just opened a new studio at The Mall, second floor, Suite #219, called Kundalini Bianco, Center for Nervous System and Soul Integration . Weekly Class Schedule Wednesdays 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Core Energetic Movement / Sound Bowl Healing Thursdays 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM Kundalini Yoga of Awareness / Sound Bowls 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Qualities Divine Names / Chanting / Humming Seasonal Offering These classes are being offered now through spring into early summer at The Mall in Borrego Springs. Location Kundalini Bianco The Mall, Second Floor Suite #219 Borrego Springs Learn More About Borrego Springs
ARTWALK with Armand Frederick Vallée at The Gallery at The Palms Saturday, April 4 at 5-7 pm. The exhibition has added a few new original paintings to the collection. Stop by and take a look at these masterful paintings. See you at ARTWALK!
Free Live Music April 11 Mark your calendar for Sean Oliu and The Coastline Cowboys performing at The Springs at Borrego on Saturday, April 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. This is a free live music event set in a relaxed desert setting. Event Details Artist: Sean Oliu and The Coastline Cowboys Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: The Springs at Borrego Address: 2255 Di Giorgio Rd, Borrego Springs, CA Cost: Free About Sean Oliu Sean Oliu is a Southern California country artist known for blending classic country, blues, and early rock influences into a modern sound. He has performed at venues like the Ryman Auditorium and Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, building a reputation as a rising performer with a traditional edge. Country rooted in tradition, with blues and rock influence. What to Expect Expect a laid-back evening with live country music, strong vocals, and a full band sound. Events like this continue to bring live entertainment into Borrego Springs while keeping it accessible with a free show. Sponsored by: Mitzi Mitzi Matijevich - Option B Entertainment Learn More About Borrego Springs
Brand case study highlights campus updates A brand case study by KI Furniture highlights recent updates at Borrego Springs High School, including redesigned classrooms, shared spaces, and new furnishings. According to the case study, the improvements followed voter approval of an $8.6 million bond. The campus had not seen major renovations since the 1950s, and much of the furniture had been in use for more than 30 years. The report outlines updated classrooms, library and study areas, and flexible spaces designed for group work and career-focused learning. Borrego Springs Unified School District serves about 345 students across three schools. The case study includes input from staff and students describing how the updated spaces are being used. The content is presented as a KI Furniture brand case study focused on the design and furniture used in the project. For full details and images, view the original case study: www.ki.com/spaces/case-studies/borrego-springs-unified-school-district
Over 200 participants lined Palm Canyon Drive A “No Kings” protest took place Saturday, March 28, with over 200 participants lining Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs as part of a coordinated day of events across San Diego County. The event took place today from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on the south side of the Mall at 587 Palm Canyon Drive. It was one of 22 rallies, marches, and family-friendly events held across San Diego County that day. Organizers said tens of thousands were expected to participate regionwide. Participants stood along the roadway holding signs during a peaceful public demonstration. The turnout reflected local participation in a broader countywide day of civic action. For more information about local involvement, the listed contact email was borregoindivisibles@gmail.com
by Fr. Michael Plekon St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Borrego Springs, CA. 92004
Grants, Environment, Infrastructure, and Future Planning
Located at the Borrego Community Resource Center
