This past Wednesday, February 13, was Ash Wednesday. Some folks have busy lives and can’t get to the church for this sacred ritual of marking the forehead with the ashes of last year’s burned palm branches, so Chapel Hill, along with many other churches decided to go to the people. We set up a table next to the Dart station in Farmers Branch. We offered free Starbucks coffee and donuts.
As folks walked from the parking lot to the train, we offered prayer, ashes, coffee and donuts and information about Chapel Hill. We covered one side of the church van with a large sign telling the people what we were about. This new option for those who can’t make it to church on Ash Wednesday is called Ashes to Go.
It was started in St. Louis in 2007 by Episcopalian minister Teresa K.M. Danieley. Her idea has spread to churches across the country. We were happy to join in. We believe the church must get out of its walls and go to the people to make disciples and spread the Good News. Most people responded positively and were grateful for our presence. I dare say this will be a tradition for the future and an exciting one at that.
To be Christ’s presence for strangers in a busy world was the real meaning of “church” in action. None of us will soon forget the blessings of the presence of the Holy Spirit among us Wednesday.
See you there next year.
In Christ, Pastor JoNell
Check out more pictures from Ashes to Go!
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