Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. This year for Ash Wednesday on February 17, we will be offering a procession in the sanctuary to receive ashes from noon to 12:30 pm and from 6:30 to 7:00 pm. As we did for All Saints Day in November, we will observe social distancing, require mask wearing, and use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the sanctuary.
We will process down the center aisle, which will be marked in six foot increments. At the base of the steps to the chancel, a table with ashes will be in place. On the table will be a sign with instructions about how to impose the ashes, and which words to use as the ashes are imposed in the form of a cross on the forehead, or on the back of the hand.
For public safety purposes, ashes will be available in our disposable communion cups. Each person, couple or family will be able to use their own individual portion of ashes mixed with oil. Couples or families are encouraged to give to one another the ashes.
Those attending the service by themselves will have the option of imposing their own ashes, or by visiting Pastor David or Beth at a separate station to receive ashes from them.
As you exit the sanctuary via the side door near the church office, you will have the opportunity to pick up a theme object (beach glass) that will serve as the anchor image for the Lenten worship theme: “Holy Vessels: A Season of Healing”. You will also have the opportunity to pick up soup made by Nikki Manley-Smith. The soup will be in individual containers and can be taken home. If you would like soup, please place your order with Nikki by February 10th by emailing mushmellowfrmhvn@comcast.net. She is offering two options that evening: chicken and dumpling or Hungarian mushroom (the mushroom soup is gluten-free and vegan). A free-will cash offering will be taken to cover Nikki’s costs and to thank her for her time and effort.
To help in the preparation of ashes, please RSVP to the church office office@bethelbeaverton.org if you intend to participate. Please indicate whether you will attend from noon - 12:30 pm or 6:30 - 7:00 pm.