LOCAL CHURCH ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE AT BOTTOM OF STORY -

Ash Wednesday, a century-old Christian tradition, becomes a new tradition in Bluffton this year, as the celebration to begin the season of Lent takes place on Wednesday, March 6.

From 7 to 9 a.m. a group of Bluffton area pastors will offer “Ashes to Go,” according to Rev. Karol Farris, pastor of Bluffton Presbyterian Church.

The idea behind the observance is this: Ashes to Go are offered because the reminders of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to church buildings.

"The ashes are to remind us throughout the day of our need for God, and of God’s call to us. There is much more to the beginning of Lent than ashes alone, and people are still encouraged to make time for worship with a community of faith,” she said.

A handout with an explanation and information on local Ash Wednesday services will be given to those who participate.

Ashes to Go will be offered downtown Bluffton at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets. Pedestrians as well as drivers and passengers of vehicles who pull over are invited to participate.

This is the first year Ashes to Go will be offered in Bluffton. Questions may be directed to the Rev. Farris, 419-358-5806. More information about the  movement can be found at ashestogo.org.

The following area congregations provided Ash Wednesday service times to the Icon.

Bluffton Presbyterian
(Service is combined with St. John's and Emmanuel UCC and includes communion and imposition of ashes.)
7 to 8 p.m.

English Lutheran
6 p.m. - Carry-in soup supper
7 p.m.

First Mennonite
8 p.m.

First United Methodist
7 p.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Noon – communion
6:30 p.m. – Stations of the cross
7 p.m. – Mass

Trinity Lutheran, Jenera
7 p.m.