On Ash Wednesday, February 14, two downtown Bethel churches will team up to offer “Ashes to Go,” a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, at 7-9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in front of Molten Java, 213 Greenwood Avenue.
The First Congregational Church of Bethel (FCCB)and St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church will offer Ashes to Go as part of a nationwide movement that has clergy and lay people visiting transit stops, street corners, coffee shops, and college campuses to mark the foreheads of interested passers-by with ashes and invite them to seek renewal.
“Ashes to Go brings the Church to the people, in the midst of their busy lives,” says FCCB’s pastor, the Rev. Rachel Fay Beam. “It offers an important ritual to those who can’t attend a worship service on Ash Wednesday.”
In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. For centuries, Christians have received a cross of ashes on the face at the beginning of that season as a sign of human frailty and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness.
Contact St. Thomas’ Church or the First Congregational Church of Bethel for more information about the Ashes to Go in Bethel. More information about the Ashes to Go movement can be found at www.AshesToGo.org