Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you have an “Ashes to Go” happening in your area, as they have spread throughout the country. If you do, you've come to know the ecumenical ministry of Jay Edwards and the South St. Louis Ministers Text Study, of which I am lucky to be a member. Jay had the idea and we joined him for the first “Ashes to Go” on Ash Wednesday seven years ago.
You can check out this report from FOX 2 St. Louis's news program. Our part starts at 1:06
I am proud of this ecumenical ministry. We see a key piece of "Ashes To Go" being our common witness. I am proud to be a part of it as we bring the message of God’s love and forgiveness out into the community and let those who have been hurt by the Church know that God’s love is for them. We take this ministry outside to reach the outsiders, just as Jesus did.
But I am most proud of the work we do together as congregations from different Christian traditions. We are Baptist, Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, Mennonite, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ.
Ten plus years ago, the pastors of these area congregations began to gather to study scripture, and to discuss our preaching and liturgy. It has grown to be much more. The congregations now worship together at various times throughout the year. We share in ministries that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and build community, and we continue to look for new ways to more fully share the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ.
It all started with studying the Bible together. A good place to start.
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