Ashes to go

There will be Ashes to Go in The Hangar at Kenmore Town Square on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Pastor Jill Nichols-Hicks and the Rev. Theresa Newell will be available for conversation during this time.

• Come to receive ashes.

• Come to speak with either or both people.

• Come to unburden anything heavy on your heart.

• Come to vent about your hurts and frustrations with our all-too-human church.

• Come to question and explore ideas about God.

Why ashes?

We distribute ashes to remember that our lives are short, and we don’t want to spend it burdened by guilt or remorse. We give ourselves a gift by allowing ourselves time to unburden from our sin and spend more time forgiven, healed, restored, and renewed.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is observed in several religious traditions. This is the beginning of Lent.  This year Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, 2026.

What is Lent?

Lent is a time for truth and reconciliation. On Ash Wednesday, and throughout Lent, we examine our lives truthfully and take ownership of the times we have fallen short of being our best selves. It is our faith that God understands and extends love, forgiveness, grace, and healing that gives us the courage to admit our wrongdoing. Thus, we repent and relish in God’s loving embrace.

Blessed Ashes

Ashes blessed for use on Ash Wednesday are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality. The Hebrew Scriptures frequently mentions the use of ashes as an expression of humiliation and sorrow.

Ashes for use on Ash Wednesday are made from burned palms from previous Palm Sunday services. Ashes are imposed on the penitent’s forehead with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 265; Genesis 3:19).

The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday is optional.

Who may participate?

All are welcome to participate fully.

• All races.
• All religions.
• All countries of origin.
• All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
• All genders.