STATEWIDE – February 8th, 2020 – On Tuesday, February 25th, the Episcopal Parishes of Upper Susquehanna County in Northeastern Pennsylvania will take the traditional Ash Wednesday practice of the imposition of ashes from inside of church buildings out to the people on the streets of Montrose and New Milford.
Started by Episcopal clergy members in Chicago in 2007, Ashes to Go will be formally launched for the first time in Susquehanna County communities. First offered on a commuter rail platform, the practice has spread to dozens of cities across the United States.
The Reverend Arthur Jones, III said, “Ash Wednesday is culturally significant to both the churched and the unchurched. ‘Ashes to Go’ is a wonderfully organic way to further connect with the people who live and work in our communities – even as we navigate the sometimes tenuous balance of home and work in our postmodern lives.” Rev. Jones serves as Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Montrose, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Milford, and Christ Episcopal Church in Susquehanna Depot.
Joan Flint added, “St. Mark’s loves initiating outreach initiatives within our community; from our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to our monthly Good News Lunch just to name a few. Father Arthur is excited about Ashes To Go, I’m excited about it, and St. Mark’s is really looking forward to being a good host for our friends and neighbors on Ash Wednesday.” Flint, a congregant and lay leader at St. Mark’s, also serves as Senior Warden there.
Lynne Graham stated, “St. Paul’s wants to offer every opportunity for busy people to connect with God. Often, that means meeting people where they are outside of the church walls.” Graham, a congregant at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, serves as Senior Warden there.
For the first time, passers-by of Upper Susquehanna County will have the opportunity to receive ashes and a blessing within their vehicles.
In New Milford, drivers who want the imposition of ashes and a brief blessing from Rev. Jones are cordially invited to drive through St. Mark’s Episcopal Church from 8:00am until 9:30am. An Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist service will begin at 10:00am at St. Mark’s. This service will last roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
In Montrose, passers-by can drive by the front of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 276 Church Street from 12 noon until 1:30pm. Rev. Jones will be in his vestments to bless all guests and visitors for Ashes to Go. A brown bag lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips, a bottled water, and an apple will be given to every passer-by at St. Paul’s between noon and 1:30pm.
In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the six weeks leading up to Easter. As a time of self-reflection for believers, Lent is often marked by charity, penance, and prayer.
The three parishes of Upper Susquehanna County – Christ Church in Susquehanna Depot, St. Paul’s in Montrose, and St. Mark’s in New Milford are all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem PA.
Sandy Milien offered, “I’m delighted to know that Rev. Jones and the Episcopal Parishes of Upper Susquehanna County will take this wonderful tradition of Ash Wednesday outside the church walls. This is a true witness of the Gospel of Jesus, in which he calls us to go out and be healers in this hurting world by sharing his loving, liberating, and life-giving way of love.” Milien is the Missioner for Community Engagement and Assistant to the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem PA. The Rt. Reverend Kevin Nichols serves as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem PA.
Anyone who has questions about the upcoming Ashes To Go events on Ash Wednesday – February 26th – are invited to email Reverend Jones at: JonesAL0@sewanee.edu; or call him at: [570] 665-1707.
