Well, guess what digital ministers?
Ash Wednesday looks different this year! How many times have we written about something being ‘different’ in this time of global pandemic and political uncertainty?
More than we’d like to count.
But that is indeed our reality once again. Pastors and church leaders are once again forced to reimagine a multi-century old liturgical tradition – this time, the imposition of ashes.
Steeped in solemnity and silence, Ash Wednesday is the day some Christians recognize their mortality and need for forgiveness as their foreheads are marked with ashes.
How can this be done ‘virtually’? How can such a physical ritual be made Covid-19 safe and still maintain its meaning and significance?
We’ve got some ideas…
Click here for the video version of this post!
Ashes-To-Go!
You’ve heard of this one by now.
This year, Ashes-To-Go can be self administered at home during an online Ash Wednesday service.
Allow members to pick up their ashes from church during a few designated drive through times. Ashes can be handed out or assembled and ready for pick up at an outdoor area at the church, preferably under cover.
Ashes can be placed in Ziploc bags with an accompanying prayer or Scripture reading.
With some pre-planning these packages can be delivered to homes by volunteers or the U.S. Mail.
As for administering the ashes, you have the option of streaming (and recording) a live service that allows live real time participation as well as participation at a later time.
As odd and disruptive as this time of pandemic has been, it is potentially opening up your services to a new pool of visitors who are taking advantage of the flexibility of recorded services.
Be sure to follow safety protocols for handling any materials that will be distributed!
Ashes On The Go
The wearing of sackcloth while sitting in or being sprinkled with ashes is an ancient tradition meant to be symbolic of mourning and repentance.
Perhaps this year it’s time to incorporate the sackcloth part of this ritual by applying ashes to a patch of burlap and distributing to members during a brief indoor or outdoor service.
This allows your community to be together to “receive” ashes without touching everyone individually.
If this seems a little extra weird that’s okay. We’ve had to adapt and re-imagine much this past year. Thanks again, COVID19.
The ash will fade over time, with only the cloth remaining as a symbol of renewal and forgiveness.
Preparation of the burlap squares would need to follow safety protocols; (i.e being gloved and masked when preparing).
Print-At-Home Devotions
Even safer would be a print-at-home prayer or devotional that members could bring to the brief service for a communal blessing.
Encourage folks to bring something from home to be used in lieu of ashes that can be self administered.
Remember, it’s the symbolism of the act and not the physical manifestation of the materials that’s important.
Focus on Spiritual and not Ritual
Shift the emphasis from the physical ritual of imposition of ashes to its actual spiritual significance.
The fact that 2020 was such a profoundly difficult year is even more reason to focus on the cleansing and renewal this season represents.
Steer hearts and minds toward the promises of new life and new hope, instead of dwelling on the loss of yet another ritual.
Lenten Calendar
Ash Wednesday starts the Lenten season which lasts 40 days (plus a few Sundays), now is the perfect time to start scheduling social media posts if you are not already doing so.
You can start with our free Ash Wednesday images available at this link.
Coming soon, we’ll have an entire Holy Week Social Media Image Pack on sale too.
So if you’re not already on our mailing list getting weekly bits of digital ministry goodness, sign on up right here.
Your specific faith tradition, synod, or denomination may publish a daily scripture and reflection calendar for this season.
If you can obtain a digital copy (only if it’s copyright free!) you can queue them up a week at a time or all 40 days at once if you’re feeling ambitious.
Better yet, church leader, perhaps delegate this task to someone who is interested in ‘taking on’ something for Lent, instead of giving up something.
You Can Do This, Faith Leader!
As you can see, with a little imagination and research and a lot of determination, your faith community can overcome any obstacles thrown in its way because of the global pandemic.
We hope you continue meaningful engagement with your faith community and any new folks who have found you in the digital wilderness, to share with them this crazy, beautiful, love filled story that is Jesus.