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D&E Benfield-Vick Chaplain provides ‘Ashes to Go’ service

Submitted photo Davis & Elkins College Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Laura Brekke, left, dispenses ashes to student Ester Bolmenaes of Sweden at the ‘Ashes to Go’ station outside of Benedum Dining Room.

ELKINS — Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season in Christian religions, came with a convenience factor for the Davis & Elkins College community. Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Laura Brekke brought ashes to the people in a station set up outside Benedum Dining Room.

Deemed “Ashes to Go,” the set-up allowed Brekke and student members of the Chapel Leadership Team to dispense ashes to anyone unable to attend a church service that day.

“We know that students, faculty and staff are really busy, so for many of them a full chapel service may not fit into their schedule,” Brekke said. “We still want them to be able to celebrate the beginning of Lent and this is a way we could do that.”

Symbolizing that “From Dust We Came and To Dust We Shall Return,” the distribution of ashes on the forehead in the form of a cross is a tradition in Christian liturgical churches.

“In recent times, more churches are reclaiming the practice,” Brekke explained. “It’s non-sacramental, meaning anyone can receive them.”

For all Christians, the six weeks of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter Sunday, are a time for reflection on spiritual priorities and penitence in preparation for the resurrection of Christ.

“Many people give up something or take on a spiritual practice,” Brekke said. “It’s a way of letting go of a bad practice and adding a good one that hopefully continues after Easter.”

Brekke added that at D&E several activities are planned in observance of Lent, including weekly Lenten Bible studies focusing on the book “Being Christian” by Rowan Williams at 8 p.m. every Thursday in Robbins Memorial Chapel. There will also be a Maundy Thursday service March 29.

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