'Ashes to Go' in Corning offers new approach to Ash Wednesday tradition. What to know

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader
·2 min read

On Ash Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church will be offering Ashes to Go, a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, at the corner of Cedar and First streets in Corning.

Christ Episcopal Church's the Rev. Troy Preston said the church is part of a nationwide movement that has clergy and lay people visiting transit spots to mark the forehead of interested passers-by with ashes and to invite them to seek renewal.

“We are the only church in the general Corning area offering the Ashes to Go,” Preston said. “We started holding this during the pandemic and we have continued to offer it for the past four years.”

Preston said the event takes the church to the streets and provides a needed service for those with a busy lifestyle dealing with busy schedules.

Christ Episcopal Church will be offering Ashes to Go, a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, from noon to 1 p.m. at the corner of Cedar and First streets, in Corning.
Christ Episcopal Church will be offering Ashes to Go, a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, from noon to 1 p.m. at the corner of Cedar and First streets, in Corning.

“It’s always had a good turnout,” Preston said. “Last year we offered ashes to about 35 people. We serve folks that are working, who just run over. I noticed a lot of Corning Inc. badges. A lot of people like the drive-through on Ash Wednesday.”

Preston and lay volunteers will offer ashes to passersby and those who prefer to drive through.

In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. For centuries, Christians have received a cross of ashes on the face at the beginning of that season as a reminder of their own mortality and as an invitation to the work of Lent.

More: When is Ash Wednesday, Lent, Easter Sunday, Passover in 2024? Dates to know

Ashes to Go provides the opportunity to participate in that tradition for people who have lost their connection to a church, who have never participated before, or who are unable to attend on Ash Wednesday due to work and other obligations, Preston said.

“We at Christ Church Corning stive to go beyond our red doors to meet people where they are at and to proclaim God’s loving welcome to all of God’s children,” Preston said. “As our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry boldly pronounces, 'If it's not about love, it's not about God.’"

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning church offering 'Ashes to Go' on Ash Wednesday. Here's where