Black & Colors

5 March 2025

Today is black. Today, Ash Wednesday, we’ll wear black in worship. We’ll make black crosses of ash on each other’s foreheads.

Black is appropriate because we’re called to start Lent, “Remembering, you are dust, and to dust you will return.”
Black makes sense because just as skin turns black without oxygen, our lives turn black without the Lord’s breath of grace.
On this day of black, join us: Swing by for “Ashes to Go,” in the parking lot from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Come for the Family-Friendly Service at 5:00pm. Enjoy the Soup Supper from 5:30-6:30pm. Bring some soup, salad, bread or dessert to share; no reservations required. Worship at 6:30pm in a service of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes.

But with God, black can brighten into colors.

Indeed, in these next 40 days of Lent, COS will explore five Colorful Characters from Scripture. The colorful faith of Thomas, Jonah, Judas, Paul, and Peter provide stimulation and challenge for our own faith journeys! Our prayer is for the Holy Spirit to lead us into even more vibrant living through our Lenten consideration. Join us!

Like a painter’s pallet, our Colorful Character Series offers several options:

Introduction of a new Colorful Character in weekly worship. (See characters above). Pastors Anna (Walker), Fritz, John (Weber), and Dale (Jirousek) are ready to present some of their favorites.
Wednesday Morning Devotions. Each Wednesday morning, March 12-April 9, you’ll receive via email a short reflection video from one of our COS disciples, connecting with the Colorful Character presented on Sunday. Some questions for reflection will also be provided. Explore them by yourself and/or with a small group.
Wednesday Evening Meal & Worship. Beginning March 12, join us for a congregational meal at 5:30pm. (Reservations required; call church office for help or see Thursday’s email). Holden Evening Sung Devotional is in sanctuary at 6:30pm.
Color Conversation Crews—You Choose. What will you call yourselves? Whatever you decide, pull together some friends for a weekly talk. We’re always better together. As stated above, each Wednesday morning via email, I’ll share a group discussion guide you can use. It will be easy. Just read the questions and enjoy the blossoming conversation that flows. Who can you invite now to join you? Where and when will you meet? Perhaps your existing small group could connect using Zoom, Facetime, or the phone for a brief, meaningful conversation using the discussion guide each week. If you are looking for a group to join, or if your group is open to others joining, contact us at [email protected]. If you need the discussion guide before Wednesday, we can arrange that for you.
Color Conversation Crews–Led by Pastor Fritz. If you’re struggling start a group on your own, join me as you’re able for one of two choices, March 12-April 9:
1. Wednesday evenings, 7:00-7:30pm in the Conference Room, right after worship.
2. Thursday evenings, 7:30-8:00pm via Zoom. Meeting ID: 889-1717-8375. Password: color

There’s too much “death ash” in the world.

Ashes of bombed buildings in Ukraine. Ashes of burned homes in California.

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 new colorful possibilities. Would you prioritize your involvement in what could be a transformational experience for the health and gladness of our congregation, your family and you?

Exploring God’s colors . . . even out of black ashes . . . with you,

Pastor Fritz