Ash Wednesday

Sidewalk Stories: Ash Wednesday

Some years ago one of our then ministers, Ron Buford, introduced a new Ash Wednesday undertaking: ashes to go. While we invite and encourage folks to attend our Ash Wednesday services, robed clergy stand outside under the Portico arches offering prayer and the imposition of ashes to any passersby. This has proved to be a most unexpectedly tender ministry. Some ten or twelve clergy related to Old South (staff or members, as well as students in discernment concerning ordination) don black robes, brave the weather, and take turns from 8am through 6pm providing an outdoor ministry of ashes.