Greetings to all!
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. For many persons, Ash
Wednesday includes the ceremonial "imposition of ashes" upon the
forehead as a reminder of human mortality. In her poem, "Ashes," Ann
Weems reflects on this traditional practice.
…and then I felt the cool smooth
finger of ash upon my forehead,
ashes from last year's palms
saved for this holy time.
I wondered if there might still be
some remnant of Hosanna!
lingering in the ashes.
All evening I wore the ash,
that holy ash,
and when others saw the smudge,
I wondered if they were inclined
to wipe it clean
or to lean closer
in the hope of hearing
some soft Hosanna!
burning still in ash
or heart…
(as found in Kneeling in Jerusalem)
Ash Wednesday services are offered at various churches around town
including:
*Christ Church Cathedral at Noon and 7pm.
*Second Presbyterian Church at 7pm.
The lectionary texts for March 10, the First Sunday in Lent…
Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life continues this
Sun, Mar 10. Our practice for the morning will focus on "Breathing and
Awareness" while our way of life conversation will focus on the question,
"What's for Breakfast?"
One Great Hour of Sharing begins today. Place a collection box/bowl on
your dining table. At one meal each day, each household member adds a
coin to the box and a prayer is offered for some place/people around the
world. Bring your coins to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday. Visit OGHS for
information regarding how your "coins" will be used.
Alabama Tornado - We are currently exploring possible responses to the
devastating tornados in Alabama, including our ecumenical partners. Visit
Tornado Response for an update from Episcopal Relief and Development.
Prayer in Action Days, an initiative of the Kentucky Council of Churches,
concludes on Tue, Mar 12, 9:30am, in the Capitol Annex Bldg (rm171),
with a program, in cooperation with KY Interfaith Power and Light, focused
on "Environmental Justice." The program will include prayer, information
regarding pending legislation, and advocacy suggestions. For more
information, visit Prayer in Action Days .
Religion & Politics - Harvard University is conducting an online research
project exploring the intersection between people's religion and politics.
You can participate in this research by visiting Religion/Politics Survey .
Visit Harvard Digital Lab for information regarding the research group.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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