Grace UMC in Denver brings Ash Wednesday to light rail station

Submitted by the Rev. Jeff Babb
Senior Pastor, Grace United Methodist Church, Denver

Grace United Methodist Church in Denver is just across the parking lot from the Yale Street RTD light rail station. For the past three years, with an RTD permit in hand, clergy and lay of Grace UMC have administered ashes to travelers on Ash Wednesday. In 2018 they served 18 individuals.

"Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Remember you have always been a child of God, and always will."

Rev. Jeff Babb and Deacon Mary MacDonald took turns keeping warm in a car while the other stood by the ash table. Some individuals shed tears, most looked solemn and thoughtful. All were grateful. One mother stopped and had her whole family receive the blessing. The group also provided hospitality to passers-by with homemade oatmeal raisin cookies for a breakfast snack.

"Weather permitting," says Babb, "they will be back in 2019."