​Lent greetings, dear Calvary,

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In what’s become quite a tradition, this season of preparation for Easter began with “drive-thru” ashes on Ash Wednesday. And, with it, the need for explanation for some!

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When we offer this ministry, there are folks who come through who are Calvary members: for whatever reason, sometimes it’s hard to get to church in the middle of the week. I’m glad they’re able to make it to this! But by-and-large, the countless cars who line up—literally who sometimes wait for a few minutes—are people who are hungry for God.
 

As we ask each person their name and if there is something they would like to pray for, oftentimes their demeanor changes as they share difficult stories about their lives or the lives of those they know and love. Then, together, we lift those people and concerns and joys and trials and thanksgiving up to God in prayer before marking them with the sign of the cross and sending them on their way.

 

This year, of the particular people who stood out to me, one of them, Jerry, pulled up in a car dealership van and enthusiastically said, “Hey I’m Jerry, remember me? I’ve been coming to this for three years now!” In some way, however small, this guy looks to Calvary as his church, even if only for a brief exchange through a car window once a year. But it’s people like Jerry who feel seen and cared for by this ministry, and it’s stories like the one he shared that I carry with me throughout Lent.

 

So, two things dear Calvary: remember that you are seen and cared for by this welcoming and nurturing church. And, as we approach Holy Week and Easter this month, consider the stories—your own and others’—that you carry with you to the cross this year.

 

I look forward to walking this time together once again,

 

Pastor Zach ☩