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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    Three pastors create a sermon song

    February 16, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    “My remembrance of sin, aches in my heart
    Bruised and confused, unable to start
    I feel stuck in a rut, unable to be
    a righteous reflection, a likeness of Thee
    made from ashes, and dust to dust
    made from ashes, and dust to dust”

    The Rev. Brian Fellows, the Rev. Abigail Browka, and the Rev. Robert Kolvik-Campbell have worked hard over the past two years to build relationships and work together on their churches cooperating. Serving in Western Oneida and Eastern Madison counties, Rev. Fellows serves the Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Oneida; Rev. Browka serves the First United Methodist Church in Oneida; and Rev. Kolvik-Campbell serves the Christ Church United Methodist in Sherrill.

    When they gathered to begin planning a joint service for Ash Wednesday 2016, Rev. Fellows had an idea: What if the three pastors pooled their talent and instead of preaching, wrote, played, and sang a song for their sermon?

    Exploration began with talking. What does Ash Wednesday mean? What images do we see in Lenten themes? What songs are evocative of those themes?

    All three reflected upon this in its entirety. Rev. Kolvik-Campbell wrote some words, based upon Psalm 51 and the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. Rev. Browka brought her song-writing talent to the process. Together, they wrote the song, “Made from Ashes and Dust to Dust.”

    The lyrics reflect the theme of human mortality and human failures, things that everyone, including pastors experience. This was important to the three, since the song came from their experience and sharing. 

    The song was then shared with the congregations of the three churches as they gathered for Ash Wednesday worship. As they listened to the song, the congregation was invited to reflect and meditate upon questions provided with the lyrics, such as “When has God shown you there can be new life even after sin and pain?” and “What is happening in your life that reminds you we are less than our best sometimes?”

    The well-received service highlighted the beginning of Lent for all three communities. It also continued to solidify and confirm the work of these three churches and these three pastors as they sang an Ash Wednesday sermon.

    “Life is more than this ash
    Far deeper than dust
    Spirit you breath new life into us
    God open our mouth to sing Your praise
    Open our hearts, open our hearts.”

    Click here to watch a video of the three pastors performing “Made from Ashes and Dust to Dust.”

    TAGGED / Connectional Ministries


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."