An old tradition in Chrisitianity, the imposition of ashes is a ritual reminding us of our mortality in the context of God's love. The celebrant (at CUCC, Steve) coats a finger with ashes and smudges a cross on your forehead. In some traditions, the celebrant says, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return." You are marked both with a sign of your inevitable death and of your resurrection. Since Lent is a time when the church prepares as a community for the festival of Jesus' death and resurrection, wearing the ash cross is a way to launch an intentional time of preparation in your own life. Traditionally, the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration (signifying the triumphant reign of Christ/God's love) are burned to create the ashes (the crumbling of all human endeavors and the natural cycle of life and death) and mixed with oil (used in healing rituals).
CUCC practices the imposition of ashes during the Ash Wednesday worship service (Mar. 9, 7pm). This service is quiet, even somber, and proceeds in the Taize-style of scripture reading, repetitive chants and long stretches of silence. There is no sermon. Generally it concludes with participants leaving in silence. To signify that you want to participate in the ritual, come forward and either stand or kneel (your choice) in front of Steve when he issues the invitation. You don't have to say anything or do anything. Open your spirit to what Spirit is saying to you, both as you receive the ashes and as you go out into the world wearing them.
[Note from Jane: As a preteen, I loved the imposition of ashes. This service is symbolic, physical, dramatic, and connects directly to emotion - preteens and teens intuitively get it. Younger children who will be able to sit very quietly & still and who like long periods of silence (5 minutes +) are welcome, but this is not likely to be a positive experience for wigglers.]
CUCC practices the imposition of ashes during the Ash Wednesday worship service (Mar. 9, 7pm). This service is quiet, even somber, and proceeds in the Taize-style of scripture reading, repetitive chants and long stretches of silence. There is no sermon. Generally it concludes with participants leaving in silence. To signify that you want to participate in the ritual, come forward and either stand or kneel (your choice) in front of Steve when he issues the invitation. You don't have to say anything or do anything. Open your spirit to what Spirit is saying to you, both as you receive the ashes and as you go out into the world wearing them.
[Note from Jane: As a preteen, I loved the imposition of ashes. This service is symbolic, physical, dramatic, and connects directly to emotion - preteens and teens intuitively get it. Younger children who will be able to sit very quietly & still and who like long periods of silence (5 minutes +) are welcome, but this is not likely to be a positive experience for wigglers.]