Ashes-to-Go: An Ash Wednesday offering

An Ash Wednesday outreach in downtown Winthrop that offers the imposition of ashes to passersby by the clergy of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church and accompanied by members of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Please note that we are unable to offer this for 2023 due to unforseen circumstances.

Why “Ashes to Go”?

Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross. The reminder that we are dust turns our attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in our lives when we offer that brokenness to God. That turning to God is the work of Lent, preparation for the celebration of Easter.

We’re offer ashes today because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building. The ashes we receive here are to remind us throughout the business of our daily lives of our need for God, and of God’s call to us.

There is much more to the beginning of Lent than ashes alone, and we encourage you to make time for worship with a community of faith, for the support of others and of the great traditions of faith in our work of repentance and renewal.

God meets us not just in worship, but in the midst of life, and we offer the opportunity to remember our faith to those whose schedules make it hard to stop and pray with others today.

p.s. all are welcome!

Just ask Luke, Gail’s faithful canine companion who also received a cookie !