This year, Ash Wednesday is on February 14, Valentine’s Day. We have the typical 7 pm service with all the trimmings. People love the service with Holy Communion, ashes, dimmed lights, and departing in silence. It’s traditional, lovely, and we remember we are dust. But I also lead an Ash Wednesday – Family Blessing service for kids and families. Here is what I do:

Serve Up Dinner: Our Ash Wednesday – Family Blessing Service is from 5:45 pm -6:30 pm, so add in dinner either before or after the service. With Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday being the same day this year, make chocolate a part of the meal. (I have done dinner before, but I can’t pull it off this year!)

Check Out the Bulletin:

Kid Leaders: Invite the kid’s choirs, youth handbells, youth choirs, and Sunday School Singers to lead music. Let the kids or youth read, serve communion, or read the prayers.

Coloring Pages: We added a coloring page to the bulletin, and we will have colored pencils available for families. The nursery is open, too.

Blessing: Families huddle together as they come forward for the imposition of ashes, and we first pray together. We remember the gift of life, family, and each other. Life together and being a life is a blessing!

Ashes: Families then ash each other with a cross on the forehead, reminding each other that “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” Have some ash wipes (haha, baby wipes) and a trash can on hand for people.

Send Home Poster: We will give out Lent devos to families as the leave in silence to do at home. This year, it is this lent poster to do as a family.

Happy Lent!