Ashes for Ash Wednesday

Many of you know that I am a Lutheran Pastor. Today is “Ash Wednesday” it is a serious day, but lest we take ourselves too serious here is a personal story!

When I was a brand new young pastor and when Ash Wednesday came around I needed ashes. I had never thought about this before. Where do the ashes come from?

Traditionally, some churches burn last year’s palms from Palm Sunday. That wasn’t going to happen!

So I found out you can purchase them. “Ashes for 1000 People”. The package arrived in plenty of time, but it was tiny. So I called them. The very nice receptionist, after I said something about the small amount, said you must be new. Turns out these ashes have lasted my whole ministry!

A little ash goes a long way!! Have a blessed day!