By Brett Hetherington *

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

The imposition of ashes is a sacred, centuries-old tradition meant to signify repentance and mortality. For many it also signals the true beginning of the Lenten season. But what is someone to do if they have the desire to participate in the imposition of ashes but can’t physically make it to church?

For the employees and patients of one hospital in Port Clinton a solution has been crafted with the aid of pastors from around the area. The Port Clinton Ministerial Association saw a need at Magruder Hospital for those who work shifts during church services to receive ashes.

“For some people Lent doesn’t really start until they’ve had ashes, and many people at the hospital work 7 (a.m.) to 7 (p.m.), which precludes them going to an evening service,” pastor Victoria Park said.

Park has the unique distinction of being a part of Trinity United Methodist Church (West Plains District) and serving as part-time pastor at Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church (West Plains District). It is her connection with Trinity that keeps her involved with the Port Clinton Ministerial Association.

From 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, Park and one other pastor used a second-floor conference room in the hospital to offer ashes and small prayer booklets to anyone who desired them.

“For a lot of them they don’t feel like they’ve started Lent if they haven’t done Ash Wednesday, so we wanted to offer that to them,” shared Rev. Jarrod Schaaf from St. John Lutheran Church.

At one point in the morning Schaaf left the conference room to offer ashes to others throughout the hospital. He was able to impose ashes on nurses and one patient.

“We go to the nurse’s station and ask the patients, we go to the emergency room, go to physical therapy, we walk around the hospital and offer ashes to anyone who wants them. Some people want them and others do not,” shared Park.

Those seeking ashes were not just staff or patients in the hospital. As word spread, one member of a Catholic church came seeking ashes as did a member of Trinity UMC to show their support for the ministry outreach.

The ministerial association offers other combined worship opportunities throughout the year. “Together the Port Clinton churches plan at least two community worship services annually, always gathering for Good Friday and Thanksgiving. These are held in the sanctuary of one of the churches on a rotating basis,” said Park. Other projects such as community service, a “Longest Night” service and more have been offered.

Ash Wednesday 2026 marked the second consecutive year clergy have imposed ashes at the hospital. In 2025 there were between 30 and 40 individuals who partook in having ashes imposed.

“I thought if we got about five or six it would be deemed a success. And we did do a patient last year who really wanted the ashes. His daughter asked us to do them for him. That made it all worthwhile,” said Park.

The Conference Communications team would like to share other stories that highlight ways that each of us is answering the call to reach out to our communities in creative ways. Please e-mail your ministry story to EOC Executive Director of Communications Rick Wolcott at wolcott@eocumc.com.

* Brett Hetherington is the Communications specialist for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.