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A lot of people like the sort of tradition of (the ashes).

"In baptism we have a sign of the cross – made of water – on our forehead as a way of reminding ourselves who we are.

John’s Episcopal Church, said a cross of ashes and oil is a visible sign of one’s baptism. If somebody doesn’t care to have the imposition of ashes, they can bypass that and just take Communion." I make sure everyone understands the tradition of it," he said. Miller said he explains this during the worship service that precedes the imposition of ashes. "So when we do what we call the imposition of ashes we use ashes as a symbol for Lent and recognition of God’s judgment on evil, expression of our sorrow and repentance for our sins and rededication of ourselves in being purified and renewed." Ashes also represent judgment in the Old Testament and repentance," Miller said. Ashes were used to symbolize death, and also sadness or mourning. "The symbolism of ashes comes from the Old Testament. Miller said the symbolism of ashes is ancient and multifold. "It’s been a long-standing tradition (in the UMC) however I do think that over the last few years it’s a tradition that’s been rediscovered," he said. Mark Miller, pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Midland, also said the tradition varies from church to church. Midland’s UCC offered the imposition of ashes as part of its worship service Wednesday night. "What I think many Protestant churches came to discover is the liturgy and visual aspects of the Catholic Church could enrich our people as well." "Twenty years ago you would not have seen Protestant churches" offering the imposition of ashes, he said. Roger Pancost, pastor of the Midland United Church of Christ, said each church within the UCC decides if ashes will be used on Ash Wednesday, but until recently most didn’t. Nowadays, many Christian churches, regardless of brand, are offering this symbol to their members. It used to be the only people wearing ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday were Catholics and a few Episcopalians and Lutherans.

Roger Pancost makes a cross on the forehead of Vern Fauver during the imposition of ashes Wednesday.