Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. 

Our theme this season is “Composting Faith.”  That could refer to the act of faith one undertakes through composting – trusting unseen forces to turn debris into soil.  And, faith itself can be the thing we’re composting – letting worn out beliefs and habits break down into their elemental components as they become fertile ground for new growth.  It’s a theme with layers, like compost.

Our scriptures – from today through Easter – will progress through Luke’s gospel.  Luke especially highlights the ways Jesus gathers in the castaways and leftovers of society, finding in them signs of the kin-dom of God.  Jesus ultimately has so much faith in the abundant life he embodies that he becomes compost from which we still grow.    

One of the special features this Lent is that we have a guide.  CMCer-from-afar Sarah Z has done a lot of thinking, researching, and writing about compost.  Also actual composting.  We’ve been in conversation with her for a while about compost as a Lenten worship theme and now we’re here. 

We’ll be hearing with Sarah three different ways throughout Lent.  One will be through her writings in the form of daily devotions, reflections on how compost shows up in scripture and life.  These will be sent through Mim’s church email.  Sarah will also be co-leading a Sunday school class with me (she’ll join over Zoom) where participants can go deeper into the focus of the week.  Thirdly, Sarah will be with us March 1 to preach.  As a bonus, she has written our liturgies and prayers for worship.

Whether or not you keep a compost pile in your backyard, we’re all composters.  We all benefit from converting from a trash mindset – sending away things we no longer need or want – to a composting mindset – everything breaks down in place and serves as nutrients for new life.  I’m looking forward to a season of composting faith together.  

Joel