Revdarth.com

Tonight, we had our community Ash Wednesday service at the congregation I serve. We had 7 churches come together for the service and it was a very moving experience. I was honestly somewhat grumpy about the service because of all the details of coordinating 14 clergy (installed pastors and parish associates) as I was getting ready, but once the service started, it was a true blessing to be a part of it. I was blessed with the opportunity to preach and as I looked out at the congregation (sanctuary was full) and saw faces of people from all walks of life and from several different countries, I saw a beautiful picture of the body of Christ.

In the midst, I think also of those in the South dealing with the aftereffects of the tornadoes and storms yesterday. As one who lives in a tornado area, I remember nights spent in the basement under tornado watches wondering when the sirens would start to wail and whether we would hear them over the wind, rain, and thunder. Many prayers ascend for the people and especially for those who grieve this night.