Ash Wednesday

We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.

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Rev. Dr. Lori Walke

One: In a moment when so much seems loud and difficult, we are invited into sacred season of reflection, repentance, and repair.

All: This is the good news: even when our souls ache, even when wars rage, even when mercy feels out of reach, we remember our Teacher said there was a different way.

One: So during this liminal time of Lent, we will double down on living the way of Jesus by offering radical welcome, caring for the vulnerable, and making goodness alive in the world.

All: Let us meet God in this moment with soft hearts and open minds.

Abide With Me, Hymn 99
New Century Hymnal

[Please rise in body or in spirit.]

One: "May the peace of Christ be with you."
All: "And also with you!"

One: You invite us, Holy One, the faithful and the doubting, the restless and the hopeless, the addicted and the lonely, the assured and the lost. You invite us deeper into faith, deeper into relationship, and deeper into community.

All: But we confess that so often we cling to the wall. We RSVP “Maybe.” We have a list of reasons why we can’t. We have a list of reasons why we won’t. We get caught up in our schedules and miss the holiness right in front of us.

One: Forgive us, Holy One, for doubting the invitation, for thinking that we can go it alone, and that we’ll be fine doing what we’ve always done.

All: But even in the moment of our hesitation, we know that You hold the invitation open. You never rescind the offer. You always save us a seat.

One: The porch light has been left on and we know we will be met with arms wide open to welcome us.

All: Be with us, Holy One, as we lower our defenses, hold the hand of our neighbor, and take our next faithful steps. Amen.

One: God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. God wouldn't bring you this far to let you go.
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. No height, nor depth, nor anything else can separate us from the love that God will show.

All: God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. God wouldn't bring you this far to let you go.
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. No height, nor depth, nor anything else can separate us from the love that God will show.

[excerpt from God Wouldn't Bring You This Far to Leave You by Tom Trenney]

One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Then Jesus said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’ ”

Rev. Dr. Lori Walke

You are invited to come forward to receive the imposition of ashes. Sheridan and I will be on either side of the table. As you approach, please indicate if you prefer to be marked on your forehead or on the back of your hand.

If you would only like to receive the blessing, but not be marked with ashes, come forward with your hands folded in front of you.

What Wonderous Love Is This, Hymn 223
New Century Hymnal

[Please rise in body or in spirit.]

One: When you meet anger, speak with love. When you meet fear, speak with hope. When you meet pain, speak with gentleness. For the good news is justice for all and nonviolence that transforms.

The good news is alive in the world, so go in peace, pray for peace, wage a little peace, and love one another . . .

All: Every single other.