“Let the remember-ing
that we are dust
and to dust we will return
be a reckoning with our inseparable lives and deaths
be an apology for all we have chosen instead of each other
be a grounding in the promise
that we come from holy soil.
Holy dirt.
Holy dust.
Created good.”
-M. Jade Kaiser

As Lent began, at Echoes we found ways to get our spirits and our bodies ready for the season.

On Monday at Creative Church we burned palms and the things we wanted to release as we prepared to create art with ashes.

Taking time to create art with the ancient material of the earth reminds us of the beautiful things that God can and continues to make with the dust and with us, imperfect earthen vessels.

On Ash Wednesday we brought the ashes down to Waypoint Park Beach for a sunset service to mark our faces with dust as we remember where we come from and where we will return. It was chilly, but warmth was found together, in community.

This 40 Day season is about remembering we were created good and must remind ourselves of this even in our process of transformation. We gave thanks to the Earth that reminds us of this constantly, and daily at the rising & setting of the sun.

There is an old English word: Dustsceawung: (dust+iinspection) which is contemplation of the fact that dust used to be other things – the walls of a city, the chief of the guards, a book, a great tree: dust is always the ultimate destination.

May such contemplation loosen

the grip of our worldly desires.

Blessings to each of you as the winter makes way for spring.