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Ashes: Remember Who You Are

Roberts Congregational United Church of Christ | February 15, 2026

📖 Genesis 3:19 | Psalm 51:1–12

As we arrive at the final week before Lent begins, we gather around a symbol that is simple, honest, and deeply human—ashes. Ashes remind us who we are, not in judgment, but in truth. They speak of our fragility, our limits, and our need for grace that does not depend on our own strength.

Throughout these weeks, we have followed signs that revealed, sustained, and shaped us—light breaking into chaos, palms revealing our expectations, bread and wine sustaining hunger, the wilderness forming trust. Each step gently stripped away illusion. Now we come to honesty.

“You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Scripture does not speak these words as condemnation, but as reality. Dust shaped by God’s hand. Dust animated by God’s breath. Dust called very good. Ashes do not deny our worth—they release our illusion of control.

Psalm 51 reminds us that repentance is not humiliation, but turning. Turning away from self-sufficiency. Turning toward God with honesty instead of performance. Ashes mark not the end of the story, but a threshold—an invitation to humility, clarity, and renewal.

This message reflects on the freedom that comes when we release what cannot save us. Titles fade. Accomplishments pass. Control is an illusion. Yet even in our finitude, we are beloved. The cross traced in ash reminds us that we are finite—and also held in grace.

As we prepare for Ash Wednesday, we are invited to remember not only who we are—but whose we are. Formed from dust. Held by mercy. Called again toward life.

Wherever you find yourself—carrying regret, exhaustion, longing, or hope—this service offers reassurance that God meets us not with condemnation, but compassion.

Come—not to hide, but to be honest.
Come—not in shame, but in truth.
Come—and remember that even dust is beloved in the hands of God.

🕊 Worship includes:
• Scripture, prayer, and proclamation
• Congregational hymnody
• Reflection preparing for Ash Wednesday

📍 Roberts Congregational United Church of Christ
Roberts, Wisconsin

🙏 If you are seeking prayer, connection, or a community to walk with you, we invite you to learn more at www.robertsucc.org or connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertsUCC

Grace and peace to you.

LINK to Worship Service: https://youtu.be/Gd3Sd8ZiJmg