The ashes represent not only our short time here on earth ("ashes to ashes, dust to dust") but also represent our sinfulness. The season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday, is a time of self-examination and repentance. The ashes help us to adopt that mind-set. The ashes come from the palm branches used in the spring 2009 Palm Sunday worship at Concordia.

Yes, students as young as Kindergarten and the primary grades (with the help of the Holy Spirit) understand sin and repentance, grace and forgiveness, God's restoration and empowerment to live better lives. This is a very meaningful event for students.

We encourage families to talk with their children about Ash Wednesday and decide together whether a child will participate in having ashes placed on his or her forehead in the sign of the cross.