Instead of Imposition of Ashes or in addition to it, Holy Communion may be celebrated. A towel for cleansing the pastor’s hands should be provided. The ashes may be mixed with a small amount of olive oil ( not water!) for Imposition of Ashes. They may then be brought forward by the ushers following the sermon and placed upon a grate to be burned with palm branches for the ashes. Alternatively, ushers may distribute small cards or pieces of paper on which each person may be invited to write a particular sin or hurtful or unjust characteristic. It is traditional to save the palm branches from the previous Passion/Palm Sunday service and burn them ahead of time to produce the ashes for this service.

This practice is the historic focus of Ash Wednesday observance and gave the day its name.

The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship, and the Imposition of Ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation. Rough, coarse textures such as burlap-sackcloth and ashes-suggest the character of the day and season. Dark earth colors or any somber hues are also appropriate. Purple is the most traditional color throughout Lent but on Ash Wednesday gray, with its suggestion of ashes, is especially appropriate. The visual environment should be solemn and stark. The form and content of the service focus on the dual themes of sin and death in the light of God's redeeming love in Jesus Christ.ĭepending upon circumstances, this service may be held (1) early in the morning, before the work and school day begin (2) at noontime, perhaps observing a fast with the deletion of the regular noon meal or (3) early in the evening, perhaps following a shared sacrificial meal of bread and water.

Ash Wednesday emphasizes a dual encounter: we confront our own mortality and confess our sin before God within the community of faith.

Alternative imposition of ashes