Connected in Ashes
Nothing says Lent like the Ash Wednesday service.
Nothing says Lent like the Ash Wednesday service. The fact that the weather has prevented us from gathering as usual has only made that even more apparent. What is it about Ash Wednesday that connects so deeply with us? I can only speak for myself but what I experience is a sense of having my life reduced to its basic elements. It’s that stripping away of all the pretense and expectations that either someone else places on me or that I place on myself.
I remember the first time I ran an obstacle course. It was a part of a youth group activity at VLM. There was a training offered for youth leaders who were going to be leading camp that year, and I was one of the adult leaders for the training. The truth was that I believed I could easily complete the course with little problems. Guess again!
I was standing on a rope tied between two trees and we were instructed to walk across on the rope, using our arms as balance. It took me two tries to realize I am no trapeze artist, and two more tries to agree to let someone help me. But with two other youth helpers, I made it. The lesson was to realize we are not in this alone. Asking for help is not an admission we are broken, but that we need each other. Connections matter. What Ash Wednesday reminds me of is although I am broken and sinful, Jesus stands with me, holding my hand and giving me the balance that I need to navigate the craziness of the world we live in.
Connections matter, and at times they are the line between being able to stand or crashing big time. Our churches are one of those places where we can be walking the tight ropes of life and still find someone to walk beside us giving encouragement or maybe some needed honest constructive criticism. This is not the same as bullying. Constructive criticism says unless you want to fall again, “Pastor Jeff,” you might want to take my hand. Ok, I get it! Connecting not only gives us balance, it also protects us. All of this leads up to my next point: Are you ready?
At the council meeting at Kenwood last week we discussed using name tags. Sounds boring, but it was actually pretty insightful. Both Kenwood and Family of God have occasions when we use name tags so people can get to know each other. I really appreciate those Sundays.
For one thing, I know that my ability to remember names is limited. (Darn age!) I also know that getting to know people begins with their name. Yes, I rarely forget faces, but knowing someone’s name is about growing deeper with a connection that invites trust and offers a relationship that gives balance. Balance again in this tight rope of a life we share. So when we are sharing in the Lord’s Supper and Jesus says, “given and shed for you,” those words connect with the experience of having holy communion together.
We are connected at the table and we are connected in the ashes. We are broken and we are forgiven and loved. Hold on now because in my way of thinking (no funny smirks here), I would love to believe that even if you saw me falling, arms flailing, you would still be there saying, “Pastor Jeff, take hold. Here I am, right here with you.” Maybe I have a utopian view on life, so be it. I take my cues from the one who suffered death for me. Who died a cruel death on the cross for me. Who did not abandon me but rose again for me. Rose again for Us!
We have 40 days to get to know each other better. We have mid-week services on Wednesday evenings. Soup included! We have Monday evening bible study at 6:30 on Paul’s letter to the Romans. “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sounds like we are pretty connected there. Getting connected is as easy as participating. So…clever!
In Christ, seeing you!
Pastor Jeffrey Holter
