#GlitterAshWednesday
Pikes Peak MCC will participate in #GlitterAshWednesday on Wednesday, March 1. Rev. Alycia Erickson, Pastor of Pikes Peak MCC, said, “We will participate in this national movement as a way to witness to hope, even in very challenging times, by marking our bodies with blended symbols of mortality and resurrection.”
Pro-LGBTQ Christians across the country will “come out” on Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017, as part of #GlitterAshWednesday, announced today by the Rev. Marian Edmonds Allen, executive director of Parity, one of the lead organizers of the new initiative.
“Ash Wednesday is a day when Christians are highly visible,” the Rev. Edmonds Allen said. “Glitter Ash Wednesday will demonstrate that LGBTQ Christians and our allies are passionate about our faith, and about seeking justice and wholeness for LGBTQ communities and other marginalized people.”
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of self-reflection and preparation for Easter. The imposition of ashes on the forehead, a traditional practice that “marks” Christians with the sign of the cross, takes place in Christian churches and communities worldwide, as well as in parks, commuter rail stations and other public spaces. Participants in #GlitterAshWednesday will receive ashes mixed with purple glitter, combining a traditional symbol of repentance with a message of solidarity.
The Rev. Elder Rachelle Brown, Interim Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, said: “MCC is a proud partner with Parity in queering Ash Wednesday, through glitter ashes and any other way that LGBTQ+ people choose to be present and visible during the holy season of Lent. Glitter ashes represent a call to deeply consider longheld traditions and ways that we mark our bodies as present and visible. In this season, we will shimmer in the presence of our Creator.”
How can I participate?
The church will be open for the imposition of ashes, prayer and meditation from 7:30 am – 7 pm. Anyone may stop by to receive Glitter or regular ashes during those hours.
Pikes Peak MCC will also have an Ash Wednesday worship service at 7 pm.
News Stories about Glitter Ash Wednesday:
USA Today: “‘Glitter Ash Wednesday’ hopes to sparkle for LGBT Christians, supporters”
Religion News Service: “Glitter Ash Wednesday’ sparkles for LGBT Christians and others”