Today Lydians and New York Sacred Harp Singers collaborated to hold an Ash Wednesday Service in Union Square.  There's something wild and powerful about marking a stranger's head with ashes and reminding them they're going to die.  Doing it in 30 degree weather on a New York City street is even wilder and stranger. 

Highlights of today included:

-the woman who received ashes without getting off her cell phone

-the New York Parks Department worker who rolled up for ashes with her trash can on wheels

-the dude who was wearing one of those big advertisements on a pole that extends from a back pack.  He received ashes, all the while brandishing his "Luxury High Rise Apartments" sign.

-And finally, the hipster who took our picture with his hipster-y Super 8 type camera, and then said quietly to Joseph, "Ash Wednesday is so cool."

 

Comments

[Mieke Vandersall]

super cool indeed! what great stories and pictures:)

[Joseph Mathews]

Note that the hiptser who took our pictures and then mine didn't actually get ashes. He just likes Ash Wednesday.

[Tracy Haughton]

Beautiful, Emily. I love hearing about your taking Ashes to the Streets.

[Bwilsonwmbc]

Here in Virginia. This is a great Ash Wednesday idea. And would love to know more about the idea of a Dinner Church.