It's another way of saying, "You are part of the universe. So here's a proposed re-wording of that Ash Wednesday ritual: "Remember (whomever) that you are stardust and unto stardust you shall return." This could be a call to repent our ways of treating the universe - or at least our planet - so badly.
We are literally made from the same "stuff" as the stars and planets! Over billions of years, this led to the creation of solar systems, planets and eventually many forms of life, including human life.
Humanity, like all other life, got its seed planted with the "Big Bang" as particles of matter sped out from the core. It's based on scientific accounts of the unfolding of God's creation, which happened quite a bit differently than the way it's told in Genesis. In recent years, I was introduced to the world of environmental/cosmological spirituality in which we emphasize and celebrate our oneness with all creation, our unity with the entire universe. Of course, since Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the ashes also announced the beginning of a season-long effort to repent wrongs, seek a new path and follow the Gospel. This guide was designed in 2020 but is very current and easy to use.When I was young, I remember thinking about that phrase priests use on Ash Wednesday when they place the ashes on your forehead: "Remember (whomever) that you are dust and unto dust you shall return." Although we can profitably be reminded of our mortality from time to time, this always struck me as a bit morbid. 426): Search me, O God, and know my heart. David Gambrell, from the church’s Office of Theology & Worship, led a responsive reading from Psalm 51 including singing this refrain from the Glory to God hymnal (No. Presbyterian Mission of PCUSA Beloved Community Lenten Devotional – Using a model of Christ’s words in Matthew 25, this Lent Devotional is intended to increase commitment to “creating beloved communities in our own backyards.” Each day includes scripture, a reflection, and a closing prayer. The liturgy for the Ash Wednesday service was taken from the Book of Common Worship. Habitat for Humanity – weekly Devotional exploring ways “we can honor Jesus by caring for others.” Each weekly reflection includes prayer, scripture, a contemporary reflection and questions for discussion.Īn American Lent – an on-line (or downloadable) daily Lenten Devotional developed by The Repentance Project and is a “journey through America’s history of slavery, segregation and racism.” Each day includes an opening and closing prayer, scripture, reflection and links to resources for deeper resources. Our hope is that these resources may help us to situate the real issues of our time theologically. DMET LENT DEVOTIONAL OFFERINGĪs we enter the season of Lent, these on-line resources may be useful in expanding our Christian imagination for coming alongside those who are marginalized and to listen in on what the Lord may be whispering to us. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP BOOK STUDYĪ Lenten book study with Goodie Bell and Chris Blumhofer. If families are unable to pickup and would like a packet, please contact Leslie Petree or Beth Solie. Lenten craft and devotion packets for families of Elementary and Preschool age kids. Note the new pick up times due to inclement weather on 2/13. Ash Wednesday Livestream Service | Link Hereĭrive by pick up at Blacknall, Iredell St. We ask that all participants wear a mask and practice social distancing. If you would like to receive the imposition of ashes, come to the sanctuary steps at 12pm or 5pm on Ash Wednesday. During the past year we have been reminded that death is all around us yet, we prepare to celebrate the familiar but strange news that Jesus has opened the way to life beyond the grave. “From dust you came and to dust you will return.” Throughout the ages, Christians have marked the beginning of Lent by remembering their mortality and receiving the imposition of Ashes.
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