In a world where miniscule soundbites are taken as gospel and breaking news is conveyed in a few hundred characters, it stands to reason that even the holiest of traditions can be streamlined.
To wit, the folks at Canadian Memorial United Church are turning this week’s Ash Wednesday into a decidedly convenient affair that combines blessings, rituals and prayer in the span of five minutes or less.
Alongside two others from her church team, Minister Beth Hayward will invite parishioners and non-believers alike to a drive thru-style Ash Wednesday blessing at the corner of Burrard Street and 16th Avenue.
The proceedings will go something like this: drive up, or ride your bike, honk or yell, and out comes a minister with palm ash in tow. A cross will be drawn on the head or hand of the recipient, scripture will be recited along with a prayer: “You are dust and you shall return to dust.”
The whole thing should take between three to five minutes, and there will even be signs outside the church that read “Honk for ashes.”
“It’s a bit tongue and cheek and yes, we are playing a bit with a really sacred ritual,” Hayward told the Courier. “Probably, some people will think we’ve gone too far. We’re OK with pushing the edges. Quite frankly, the sacred aspects of our lives happen within ordinary moments.”
Wednesday’s mass ash-ing is intentionally set on pushing boundaries, but there are practical aspects, too. Hayward said the church pews are teeming with people on weekends, but not so much on weekdays.
“We’re specifically thinking about busy people, but there are also so many elderly people where it’s a hassle to get out of your car,” Hayward said.
Ash Wednesday represents the beginning of the 40-day period that makes up the season of Lent in the Christian faith. Hayward describes it as a time of reflection, fasting and prayer, where intentions and goals are set. Easter Sunday, observed this year on April 21, marks the end of Lent.
“It’s this whole idea from our deaths and from our struggles in life, come new awareness and new life,” Hayward said. “You’re heading into this season of deep reflection where you might come up against something about yourself that’s challenging.”
Having unveiled the plan to her congregation just days ago, Hayward said the idea was greeted with a bit of curiosity and a bunch of optimism — no one has pushed back suggesting ethical or spiritual lines have been crossed, Hayward said.
Traditional Ash Wednesday gatherings last about 30 minutes, and those who want to stick to tradition can do so from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the church.
Otherwise, Hayward and company will be at it from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, ready to answer the call of honking cars.
Canadian Memorial United Church is located at 1825 West 16th Ave.
@JohnKurucz
