Just
heard on the radio that St. Paul’s is offering “Ashes-to-Go” this Ash
Wednesday. The program was started
last year as a way for the Church to try to reconnect with people who are too
busy for, or simply have let go of, attending services.
In
New York City, the volunteers with their bowls of ashes can be found on street
corners and in subway stations.
That somehow seems less sad to me than where you can find Ashes-to-Go in
San Diego -- at Peet’s Coffee and Starbuck’s.
People
have time to stand in line and buy a five dollar coffee beverage but don’t have
time to drop into their church and pay a visit to a man who has dedicated his
life to helping others?
My
mother would confirm that this is a sign we are all going to hell in a hand basket. My best friend would help me gain some
perspective and make me feel less like the world is coming to an end and more
like creative geniuses are alive and well at work.
Still,
isn’t the whole point to get off the hamster wheel for an hour and think about stuff
like getting off the hamster wheel?
The Priest says, “From dust you came and to dust you will return,” as
he makes the cross on your forehead. I am not sure if you get the same reminder when the random church volunteer who
may or may not have washed his hands blesses you beside the barista counter.
Our
synagogue has been faced with a similar dilemma – how to get people connected
back to their religious community.
It depresses me when I get notices for adult events like football
viewing parties in the social hall and youth trips to places like Trampoline
Zone. I want to attend lectures
with interesting speakers, teaching about world events and child rearing. I want my son to go on a hike or visit
the tide pools with his youth group.
I can’t complain, though.
When the bulletin went out to join our Rabbi for a coffee talk
brainstorming session to come up with attractive events and outings, I was too
busy to join them.
