We are all gifted by God and therefore we have the ability to, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to bless one another.' 'I believe in a priesthood of all believers,' Pfalzgraf said. Those who prefer to take a bag of ashes will also receive a prayer to bless them and instructions on what to say when applying them. Pfalzgraf said she will wear a mask and shield and will change gloves after each imposition of ashes. The evening service also will be live-streamed.įor 90 minutes after both services, people can walk up or drive up to receive ashes outside, she said. Her church at 3108 Sterrettania Road will hold 30-minute in-person services at noon and 6:30 p.m. Last week, she burned palms to make ashes.

a spiritual moment where families can put ashes on each other,' Pfalzgraf said. But she also placed individual portions of ashes in plastic bags for people to take and place on themselves or one another if they have concerns about the coronavirus. Paul's, Pfalzgraf will still put ashes on people's foreheads. Royster said the pandemic has pushed churches to explore 'how to live out their life and mission in creative ways.'Īt St. Wayside also will provide a full Ash Wednesday prerecorded worship service on the church's YouTube channel and Facebook page, he said. He, the church's senior pastor and youth volunteers will apply the ashes and will use sanitizer between cars. People can either hold out an arm to have ashes placed on the back of the hand or have ashes put on the forehead, said Royster. in the parking lot that loops around the church, 1208 Asbury Road.Įveryone will be asked to wear masks. Royster said ashes will be distributed Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. This year, especially, they are a validation of the grief and pain so many are experiencing and are an opportunity to say to people that they aren't alone, that something rises up from the ashes in Jesus Christ, he said.Īt Wayside, drive-thru ashes will be offered for the first time. Nathan Royster, associate pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Millcreek. With concerns about virus transmission and restrictions on public gatherings, churches are finding different and sometimes creative ways to observe Ash Wednesday, the start of the season leading to Easter. But while the method might vary from the norm this year, some pastors said the message could be even more meaningful.Īshes are a symbol of the season reflecting on mortality and the brokenness of human life, said the Rev.

Imposition of ashes presbyterian