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Ashes and Opening the Doors

Ashes and Opening the Doors

Word From Wiese

February 18, 2026

As a kid, the fireplace in our family didn’t use gas, but burned wood. So, throughout the winter, it was my job to periodically open the fireplace doors and scoop out the ashes.

My childhood chore is on my mind this week. Because what was once a chore is now an opportunity! For opening the doors and dealing with the ash is what we’ll be doing this Lent at COS.

  • Starting with Ash is appropriate today. We begin the 40 holy days of Lent by making crosses of ash on each other’s foreheads, remembering that “we are dust, and to dust we will return.”
  • On this day of Ash, join us:
    • Drive by for “Ashes to Go,” in the parking lot from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
    • Come for the Children’s Service at 5:00 PM.
    • Enjoy the Soup Supper from 5:30-6:15PM. Bring some soup, salad, bread or dessert to share; no reservations required.
    • Worship at 6:30 PM in a service of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes.

But the Ash gives way to Opening Doors. Ash can fertilize. After a forest fire, the black ashen terrain is primed for new, stronger growth. So, too, we pray with COS. These past years haven’t been marked with tragedy at COS. Far from it. We’ve just celebrated our 50th anniversary of ministry. Sanctuary refreshment. Bathrooms at Palmetto Road. New staff stepping into role upon the retirement of faithful servants. Now, we sense this is a time of “Opening Doors” to the fresh winds and possibilities of the Lord. In Genesis, God kneels down and takes the ash and dust of the earth, shapes it into human form, blows, and brings Adam and Eve into life.  Likewise, we seek to experience God’s breath and new possibilities.

So, please engage this Lent was we GROW in the Lord’s Spirit.

  • G—Group.  Commit to attending 5 sessions and enjoy the fellowship of a weekly discussion group. Check out the kiosk at lower church entryway for a list of groups you can join, offered at various times throughout the week. Reach out to Barbara Anderson at [email protected] if you need help finding a group or want to lead one of your own. Discussion guides are available right after the Sunday sermons.
  • R—Read. Read the short but helpful weekly chapter of The Invitational Christian. Books are available at the front office desk.
  • O—Opportunity. Jesus calls us to let our lights shine for benefit of world and ourselves. This is a huge opportunity for COS and each of us to grow. In a spirit of love of God and others, let’s explore how we might be more invitational to our neighbors, and open doors!
  • W—Worship. Each Sunday, our sermons and services will challenge about God’s hope for us.  So, prioritize your presence in worship please.  Also, join us for a weekly Wednesday devotional in the sanctuary, from 6:30-7:00 PM.  A church supper precedes it each week, from 5:30-6:15 PM and several discussion groups will meet immediately afterwards from 7:00-7:30 PM

Ashes and Opening the Doors Word from Wiese Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Peachtree City, Georgia

There’s too much “death ash” in the world. Ashes of bombed buildings in Ukraine and Gaza.  Ashes of burned homes out west. Ashes of broken dreams and relationships.

But there is “life ash” too. Ash, dust, and dirt that God combines with his Word, breath, and Holy Spirit to bring new life . . .  and open doors. Would you prioritize your involvement in what could be a transformational experience for the health and gladness of our congregation, your family and you? Together, the Lord will lead us on an amazing Lenten journey.

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz