From the Minister’s Study -
February 18, 2026
Today we are formally beginning our forty-day trek to Jerusalem, to the foot of the cross.
Our journey begins tonight at 7:00 pm with our Ash Wednesday service where people will receive an ashen cross on their foreheads or hands.
In times gone by, we would hear the words “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
But we are not merely dust… we are stardust. Every carbon atom in our bodies was forged in the collapse of ancient stars. Rev. Cameron says, “before we were a citizen, we were matter held inside God’s imagination.” Our Ash Wednesday story tells us that we come from the same sacred ground as everyone else. Rev. Cameron says the ashes claim that “no one gets to pretend they are more than human, and no one gets to declare another less.”
The use of ashes long predates Christianity. In the Hebrew Scriptures, ashes were a powerful symbolic language of our repentance and human fragility before God. The early Christians inherited this symbolism but did not immediately practice Ash Wednesday as we know it today. From the 3rd-6th century AD people who had committed public sins entered a formal period of penitence. They were marked with ashes as a disciplinary rite as a public acknowledgement of their brokenness. The ashes also marked their willingness to change and to do better going forward. It was not until around the 10th -11th century that the church’s understanding of the ashes shifted. Everybody was invited into a communal season of repentance. The sign of the cross traced in ashes on the forehead become widespread. The cross connected repentance directly with Christ’s grace- not just human failure. This was a significant theological shift: Repentance was no longer about shame and about correcting poor behaviour. It became about realigning the whole life toward God. So, the ash cross becomes not simply a mark of sinfulness but a mark of belonging, a visible reminder that we walk the path of Christ together. Genesis says humanity is formed from the earth. Modern science echoes this poetic truth: the elements in our bodies were forged from ancient stars as I mentioned earlier. In a very real sense, we are stardust. So, the ashes hold two truths: humility “we return to dust” but also wonder “we come from the cosmic breath of creation.” The tension lies in our mortality held inside divine belonging.
You may find it interesting to note that while Western Christianity begins with ashes our Greek and Russian Orthodox friends begin Lent a few days earlier with what is called Clean Monday. Cleaning homes, hearts, relationship and even flying kites to remind themselves that Lent is not only about our mortality but also about lifting the soul toward God. I like this. The ashes say you are dust. The kite says you are breath. Together, they tell us the truth of who we are.
This Lenten season here at Trinity United Church we are embarking upon a new sermon/message series entitled “Becoming Whole- Our Lenten Journey of Transformation.” Like our Greek Orthodox friends, the focus of Lent will be how we can clean up our acts and confront the things that break our relationships and rob us of living life faithfully and abundantly. Each Sunday we will hear how Jesus’ teaching and example can help us to overcome the things that harm us and find better ways to navigate the brokenness of our world. I hope you plan to join us on this spiritual journey either in person or online or on COGECO TV.
Traditionally Lent was a time we “give up” something. But, in more recent year’s people have been moving to “taking on” something instead. Perhaps it’s exploring a particular spiritual practice or engaging in a new form of service to others or adding special mindfulness to some aspect of one’s daily life. Whatever you decide, Lent is like a spiritual boot camp for our souls. Time to implement small changes that can make a huge difference in your every day lives and relationships. What are you taking on for Lent?
Perhaps you would like to take on a Lenten Book Study- Nourishing the Soul. The book is called: “Bless, Break and Share.” In this six-week series, Rev. Christine Jeffett will guide a time of reflection and discussion around the table (via Zoom) starting February 24th from 2-3 pm. You can do this at home or join me around my table in my office. I have registered so you just piggy back with me. Come to as many sessions as you can. Let myself or Suzy know if you plan on attending.
If movies are more your thing, join us for “Movie Night and Meaningful Conversation.” Our God in the Dark six-week movie series weaves film, conversation and community together. This series also starts on February 24th at 7:00 pm. Admission is $5 including popcorn! Whether you are curious, reflective, spiritual, or just love good movies and meaningful conversation, come and bring a friend or meet a new one here!
The Communication and Technology Team are in need of someone to work on Trinity’s website. Do you have experience working on a website or just want to learn a new skill? Please consider helping out. If you would like to find out more, please join them on Friday February 27 at 10:00 am in the Arnold Room.
They are also looking for ideas as to what you would like to see on the four windows facing the pharmacy as you walk in the side door. This is prime real estate and we need to shine Trinity’s light in the most welcoming and inviting ways possible. Put on your thinking caps and contact Maryanne Mitchell with your suggestions: maryanne.e.mitchell@gmail.com. Deadline is February 23rd.
Be sure to mark your calendars for Trinity’s Annual General Meeting on March 1st immediately following our church service. There will be a discussion surrounding the possibility and feasibility of air conditioning for our Sanctuary at this time. We value everyone’s input on this matter going forward. A huge bouquet of thanks to Lynda Arnold for putting together our Annual Report again this year- so professional looking. And thanks to Suzy for printing the report for those who do not have a computer in the middle of her busy tax season.
Before I conclude this newsletter, a huge bouquet of admiration and thanks to Rick Wearing and Sandra Parrott in raising more than 196 thousand dollars for our local Huntsville Hospital Foundation! Are you kidding me?! Sandra told me they were hoping to get 25 maybe even 30 but in no stretch of the imagination did they expect this outpouring of generosity and support! Some 560 people opened their hearts and wallets to help this couple match up to 25 thousand dollars. This ended up being one of the most successful Christmas campaigns the hospital has ever held. What an outstanding community contribution with Rick and Sandra at the helm at a time when they are dealing with some stormy waters of their own. Even in their times of trial, they are reaching out, shining their light and making a difference in their community. Heartfelt thanks to you both! In the words of Timothy, “well done you good and faithful servants.”
I look forward to journeying to Jerusalem with you again this year.
We are in this together!
Companions on this journey we call life,
Lenten Blessings,
Rev. Diane
A Prayer for Today
God of dust and breath,
You formed us from one ground and filled us with one life.
Strip away the illusions we build that make some of us seem greater
and others disposable.
Mark us with humility.
Mark us with courage.
Mark us with love strong enough
to recognize itself in every face.
May we live today as people
who remember what we are made of dust and breath.
Amen.
Written By Rev. Cameron
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