Ashes to Go ECFVP（灰 ECFVP去）.pdf

Ashes to Go Liturgy Outside the Church Do you love the liturgy and worship of our church, but back slowly away when we start to talk about “evangelism.” Episcopalians are often better at doing church than talking about church, especially in a public setting. And our liturgy gives us powerful, portable symbols that can make it very easy for people to discover that God – and the church! – will meet them right in the midst of daily life. At best, that discovery brings people into the community of faith, looking for more. And for those who don’t come looking for more, it’s still a moment of grace, a reminder that God does not forget us, even if we are dust, unable to remember God without God’s help. Even people who are not regular church goers have a sense of ritual, and look for that at significant moments in our lives. With liturgy, we can bring God and community to people who need both and don’t know where to look for either. Consider your own community. What concerns and events have people talking? Can you offer a blessing for a new skate park after a long campaign by local youth for a safe place to play? Where are people going when they need inspiration, or assurance? Can you bring liturgy to them? Calvary Episcopal Church in Lombard, Illinois partners with the local vet to offer an annual memorial service for people who have lost pets. We hold the service at the veterinary hospital because that’s where people are already going in search of meaning when a pet dies. That also helps make it accessible for people who need the church but don’t feel sure of their welcome. And finally, ask yourselves where people are when they aren’t in church – especially on church feasts and fasts. On Ash Wednesday, many of God’s people are rushing to work, to pick up the kids, to get through the places and chores of our overscheduled lives. Thus: “Ashes to G