Where do the Ashes Come From?

We just returned from our annual Ash Wednesday service. Using the ashes to place the mark of the cross on the foreheads of those present always reminds me that I'm called upon on some occasions to answer the question, "Where do the ashes come from."

One of our parishioners tonight confessed that several years before I came to the church she had volunteered to take the remaining palms from Palm Sunday of the previous year and convert them into ashes. This was her first try at making usable ashes. She broke up the palms and placed them in a pan. Then she attempted to light the palms in the pan, but they refused.

Undaunted, she went outside and got the charcoal lighter fluid and gave the mixture a good squirt.

That year, the mark of the cross was blacker than ever.

Read more...

Thinking Spring - photo of church

I looked for an exterior shot of the church in winter, but found only interior shots in my collection. So, I opted to post an exterior shot taken in pleasant weather. If that tells you what's on my mind, so be it.

Read more...

First Post

Dotti and I attended a seminar for pastors this afternoon at the Pontiac Convention Center here in Janesville. One of the suggestions made is that every pastor should have a blog. It is, in part, to bear witness to the fact that we are thinking (more than just on Sunday mornings) and that we are open to dialog about our thoughts.

Since my daughter and my grandson already have a blog, I suspect it's time for me to begin.

If, in the process of reading this blog, you find material that is helpful, invite others to subscribe to this blog as well. If, at any time, you'd like to join in the conversation, please feel free.

Read more...