Unionville United Methodist Church

This year, to celebrate Ash Wednesday, we will make available for each of us a small pot of soil. This soil will be incorporated as part of the Ash Wednesday service in lieu of ashes as we connect the soil to death. But the purpose of the soil does not end with Ash Wednesday. Throughout the season of Lent, our pots of soil will remind us daily that our death is hidden in the everlasting life of Jesus Christ. Rather than receiving ashes that are quickly washed away, our so...il will remain throughout the season. I would suggest that you place this soil in a place in your home where you pray or where you spend time with God. I encourage you to tend your soil. Such tending could include placing a cross in that soil or placing it beside a picture of a loved one now with the Lord or those whom you are missing in this season of isolation. Pray over the soil as you picture our Lord in isolation in the wilderness, looking out and seeing only dry, barren soil. You could plant a seed in the soil as an indication that our Lenten journey is taking us to the resurrection of Easter, to the celebration of new life. This tending time allows you an opportunity to be creative, realizing the ‘tending of soil’ is a rich metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity. And then, as we near Holy Week, I invite you to share a picture or video of how you have tended your soil. Such stories and visuals will be a blessing to all during our time of worship. Pots of soil are available in the tubs under the awning just outside the Church Office. If you would like one to be delivered to your home, please contact the Church Office or Pastor Doug. We look forward to learning of your creativity and hearing how it added to your experience of this Lenten Season.