Repent and Return to Community

Ash  Wednesday

‘Come Back To Me’

 †  Repent and Believe in the Gospel

Ash Wednesday calls us home. Sealed

again in ashes

with the

Cross of Jesus Christ

we remember that we are human and

not divine.

We are weak and tempted;

chosen and sent forth.

Throughout the 40 Days of Lent we

Intentionally Practice

Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.

Today we are signed with the cross using ashes from the burnt palms of last year’s Palm Sunday.  Today we are reminded of our three traditional Lenten practices.

        Fasting                  We hunger for our God

       Prayer                 Contemplative gaze on Jesus’ Way

      Giving                   Sharing our abundance with those in need

Repent and Return to Community

Joel 2: 12 - 18

“Yet even now—oracle of the LORD— return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment. 

Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind a blessing, grain offering and libation for the LORD, your God.

Blow the horn in Zion!  Proclaim a fast, call an assembly!  Gather the people, sanctify the congregation; assemble the elderly; gather the children, even infants nursing at the breast; let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride - her bridal tent.  Between the porch and the altar, let the priests weep, let the ministers of the LORD weep and say:

“Spare your people, LORD! do not let your heritage become a disgrace, a byword among the nations! Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?”

 Who and Where is My Community

Is FAMILY my Community?

Are my Work/Ministry Collaborators my Community?

Is my HOUSEHOLD my Community?

Are the Groups and Organizations I Collaborate with my Community?

Am I a part of a Local Political Community?

Am I a citizen and member of the National Community?

Litany  for Ash Wednesday

Oh God, we are reminded this day of the fragility of our lives here on the earth.
We are dust and to dust we will return.
It is by your Spirit and your power that we are given life.
You are the source of all hope and life.

We enter now a season of repentance.
That we may turn from selfishness.
We set aside some comforts
That we may turn our attention to Your holiness.
Cast now our transgressions far from us
As far is the east is from the west.

We mourn the profound disconnection from You that happened at the dawn of humankind.
Bring us back into Your presence.                                          

We rejoice in the perfect work of Christ on earth.       

Christ reconciles us to You.

Prepare our hearts, Oh God, for Resurrection life.
You bring beauty from ashes.
Prepare our hearts for the joy of Your coming.
You bring gladness from mourning.
Prepare our hearts for the fullness of Your presence.
You bring forth praise from despair.  Amen