Many core members are Christians and decided to observe Ash Wednesday together. Wednesday night, in place of our regular community night, we joined First Presbyterian for their Ash Wednesday Service. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, the 40 days leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross. Ash Wednesday is about remembering our mortality and struggle. Christians receive ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead, along with the words, “Remember that you are dust and from dust you shall return.”
Together, we sang songs,and we prayed for mercy.
We reflected on the wilderness experience. Recognizing our own wilderness, where there are problems that we can’t solve, pain that won’t go away, and grief that overwhelms.
We took communion together, sustenance for our journey, and we received our ashes. And here’s the thing – it was enjoyable.
When asked by my partner how the service was, my first response was, “It was really fun.” Today, I heard an assistant share with another community member how they enjoyed the event.
It seems odd, right? For a service remembering our mortality and struggle to be “enjoyable.” But that’s the gift of community. When we gather together and share our struggles honestly with one another, there is a heaviness that is lifted. Our struggles still exist but we’re grateful to not be alone in the wilderness journey.
We’re so grateful for First Presbyterian opening their doors and making space for us to share in this experience.
