Ever notice how much better some experiences are when they are shared? I notice that I laugh louder when a big group of us watches a comedy. Or a much-hyped movie is better when the theater is full. Or the music seems better when I am shoulder to shoulder with a sea of people. Or when I am one of many people reading the same book at the same time. Something about shared experiences makes our expectations more likely to come true.
Last night, I joined about 120 other people from four different churches for an Ash Wednesday Service. It was exciting to see people for whom Ash Wednesday is a normal yearly tradition and people for whom this was a brand new experience – all coming together. This was my third Ash Wednesday service, the last two having been involved in planning and leading the experience.
Some of my favorite things about the service were:
-Seeing how true unity can happen when we move from a focus on what divides us to the only thing that can unite us – a focus on Jesus and his death and resurrection.
-Being grateful for the last minute help of so many people. Our music team changed last minute. I am so grateful for Carol Loveless and Rob Payne’s willingness to step up and lead last minute.
-I loved that the gathering of people included people who are followers of Jesus and not-yet followers of Jesus. It was meaningful for me to plan and prepare knowing the names of faces of those who might come for whom faith in Jesus is something they are exploring. The way I prayed and prepared changed dramatically when I realized this.
-Appreciating the different personalities of different leaders. I struggled to speak to the 10 minute homily time frame last year, but my friend Shane Copeland did it so much better. And his simple reflection on the idols in our lives (inspired by Tim Keller’s newest book, Counterfeit Gods) was powerful.
-The physical act of imposing ashes has to one of (if not THE) most incredible experiences I have had as a pastor. Extremely vulnerable and almost emotionally naked, people come forward to receive ashes and I am bonded to them in a powerful way that goes beyond my ability to describe. I am so privileged to have that honor the last two years and like last year, it is an experience that I will be processing for some time.
-For me, the way we did communion (very similar to normal Crash traditions) is so much more meaningful than simply passing a plate and holding an element until everyone is done. I grew up with the whole pass the plate thing, and it has its place. But I think having time and space to move and come forward raises the value and place for communion to a much larger role in the service than a simple “tacked on at the end” thing. End of soap box!
-I was blown away by the spontaneous generosity of the people who came last night. We gave $300 and change to Haiti disaster relief. WOW! What a great response from a service that reminded us of our mortality and fragility.
I am excited to be able to share the story of our experience with others who were not there and to move through the Lenten season in great anticipation of Good Friday and Easter. As I said last night, the kind of preparation we make indicates the value we place on an event. We are preparing well for the Passion Week, and I have great expectations.
