I did my first "ashes to go" this year, in Spanish. It was COLD! The week prior I procured a location on Rossville Blvd., at a panadería. Thankfully it was a clear and sunny morning. I had an "A-frame" sign made up (velcro, so it's changeable), some bilingual give away cards, and some bilingual brochures about Ash Wednesday and Ashes to Go.
I am thankful to Jeff Crim, a Lutheran pastor, who has invited me to this second opportunity for pop up ministry in community. Our first was on Virgin of Guadalupe Day. It wasn't as cold or as early.
Ash Wednesday was a success in that we offered ashes to quite a few folks. Two accepted the offer. Another took one of the bilingual cards with the phrase on it about being dust and returning to dust. We said "good morning" to many others and shared with those who were interested about what we were doing and who we were.
Before Jeff arrived, someone offered to buy me coffee, but I already had some. So, instead, I was given some money to get whatever I wanted from the store. I got some homemade tamales and a donut when I left for breakfast. I was grateful for his kindness.
Another person offered us his three beers, which we left next to the park bench. Still, that was an act of kindness. I was humbled by not only these acts, but the conversation with the one who asked why couldn't denominations get along and Jeff and I were able to say that here we were, representing two different denominations and getting along quite well. Another part of a conversation that struck me was when I shared with someone that the ashes were a symbol of our humanity. The response was that they knew all too well their own humanity, having almost died several times. I suspected this person was homeless.
Ash Wednesday is a time to reflect on our being, who we are and whose we are. It is a time to ponder God's grace, love, forgiveness, mercy, and goodness.
After the Ashes to Go, I participated in an Ash Wednesday service at one of the three churches where I serve, Simpson UMC. There is a Lenten Luncheon Series annually that is kicked off on Ash Wednesday and the Holston Georgia Parish churches and anyone in community is invited to it. Justin shared the message on "forgiveness" and he and Wayne Cook from McFarland UMC offered the imposition of ashes.
Being able to serve and be with folks in community is rewarding. Being able to reflect on the deeper meaning of life is humbling and freeing.
Ash Wednesday was a good way to begin the Lenten journey for me, once again.
Peace,
Debra
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