For Ash Wednesday
How to Prepare Ashes?
The ashes for Ash Wednesday are an important symbol of our penitence as we enter the season of Lent. Traditionally, the ashes are made from the dried palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday procession. But, like so many symbols, the importance is not the item itself, but remembering what it is that it represents.
Ashes, in the Bible, are used to signify mourning or repentance. When we take part in the imposition of ashes each year, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and repent of our sin. What is important is the condition of our hearts, not the symbols we use to represent them.
Special Event For Families: The Pancake Party
We want our children to feel included in this sacred tradition! During our Pancake Party on Sunday, February 15, 2026. We will be handing out “Easy Ashes” to children. Everyone is welcome.
- Kid-Friendly Application: These ashes come in the form of a chapstick-style tube, making it easy and mess-free for children to participate.
- Where to Apply: Children can use the tube to mark a cross on their own hand or forehead, or have a parent help them. It’s a tangible way for them to carry the symbol of Lent with them throughout the day.
Ash Wednesday
Join us as we begin the season of Lent with prayer, reflection, and the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Ways to participate are: worship service in the chapel at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, curbside ashes available outside our downtown campus during the morning rush hour, and throughout lunch period for those on the go, or observe from home if you cannot join us in person using olive oil or create your own ashes in a symbol of repentance and renewal.
How To Take Part In The Imposition of Ashes From Home
An important first step is to understand that you do not need physical ashes to be part of the ceremony. Holding your own private observance, you can use a number of things as a replacement for palm ashes.
- Using Oil: The most common replacement is oil. Olive oil from your kitchen works perfectly.
- Safety First: If you choose to use physical ashes, mix them with oil before use. DO NOT mix ashes with water, as this can cause skin irritation or chemical burns. Click here for more specific instructions.
- Creating Meaning: You can create an Ash Wednesday Backyard Fire and burn written confessions from your past year. The resulting ashes will carry a deep personal significance.
- Purchasing Ashes: Palm ashes are also available at local stores or online retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
What To Say During The Imposition of Ashes
If you would like to hold a more private ceremony in your home, the Discipleship of the United Methodist Church has prepared a service for Ash Wednesday, including all of the liturgy spoken throughout. You can click the link to follow the whole thing, but the most pertinent prayers are below:
Thanksgiving Over The Ashes
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth.
Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence,
so that we may remember that only by your gracious gift
are we given everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.Imposition of Ashes
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Repent, and believe the gospel.
Conclusion
Whatever you choose to do, remember that this is simply the first step in Lent – a long journey we spend together preparing our hearts for Easter. We look forward to walking that journey with you. To watch our Sunday worship services online, you can visit our YouTube page here.