How can this be? It seems that we have only just put our Advent wreaths and Christmas decorations away, and here we are entering Lent. Just a few short weeks ago, we marveled and worshiped as “those who dream,” and now we are preparing ourselves to be among those who mourn the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
Tonight at 6 pm, we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday – also known as Mardi Gras. On the final night before we enter the forty days of Lent, we will eat pancakes (or whatever you choose to enjoy) together, spend time getting to know one another a little bit more, enjoy music from Jean Prewitt and Don Cowan’s band, and play some Caldwell trivia. Please plan to join us. Wear your brightest colors and find some beads to wear. A fun time will be had by all.
Tomorrow evening at 6 pm, we turn towards God in prayer, meditation, and song on Ash Wednesday. You are invited to create your own ashes and have them at the ready as we begin this season that takes us to the cross and beyond. Here are a couple of suggestions for how to make ashes. Light a candle for each person present. When it is time to impose ashes, blow out the candle. Rub the cooled wick between your fingers and use its ashes. In a small dish, mix a small amount of ground cinnamon and clove with a drop of oil. Or mix garden dirt with water, olive oil, or fragrant oil. If you want to make your own ashes out of palms or some other plant, do so ahead of time. Usually a drop or so of oil is added to the burned ashes, just enough to make them stick. (Links to both services are in the email that brought you here.)
Our theme for this Lent is “Even Now.” What a year we have experienced, friends. Ups and downs. Gains and losses. So many losses. We have wept. We have battled depression – and more. The invitation this Lent is for us to remember and remind one another that “even now,” in our ongoing times of separation and sadness, not only do we have one another in this community of faith, but also we have God with us on the journey.
As we move through the Psalm readings this Lent, we will notice the ways in which the psalmist recalls God’s goodness, even in times of trial. As we move through the Gospel readings this Lent, we will see how God’s grace, mercy, power, and compassion accompanied Jesus during the final days of his life.
Our choir sings a song that includes these lines: “Your grace and mercy brought me through. I’m living this moment because of you. I want to thank you and praise you too. Your grace and mercy brought me through.”
This Lent, let us look back at what God’s grace and mercy have brought us through, friends, and let us pray that this Lenten season will give us many opportunities to deepen our trust that God’s grace and mercy are with us – even now.
Even now, as we long for an end to Covid, as we long for the chance to worship together again, let us remain united in prayer and in worship, in love and in Spirit through the wonder of electricity and the internet.
Speaking of Covid, questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine abound, especially in communities of color. In a panel discussion this coming Sunday, February 21st at 6 pm, Dr. Karen Breach-Washington, a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, along with Drs. Carl Smart and Robert Jones Jr., members of Matthews-Murkland Presbyterian Church, will share their expertise and answer questions about the vaccine with an aim towards distinguishing between vaccine facts and fictions. Click this link to join via Zoom on Sunday evening at 6 pm. Meeting ID: 817 8153 9628. Passcode: 187104. Dial In: 1-646-558-8656. All are welcome to attend this gathering. Please share this link with people who have questions about the vaccine.
As we continue our journey through Black History Month, there are many opportunities to broaden and deepen our understanding of Black History. Tonight at 9 pm on PBS, a series depicting the history of the Black church will begin. Click here for more information. Then on Thursday, the 18th, at 9 pm, there will be a conversation about the PBS series hosted by Christian Century magazine. Click here for more information about that discussion.
There is a lot going on. So much to learn. So much to celebrate. So much to consider.
May God grant us the strength, stamina, hope, and faith to grow and be transformed even now – as we enter this season of Lent together.
Grace and peace, Gail