On Wednesday, March 5, nearly 100 gathered at Piedmont Community Church for an Ash Wednesday dinner and meditation. Christians receive ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday to symbolize death, repentance and a desire to live in Christ’s image. The ashes are a reminder of mortality and a call to receive forgiveness. Photos by Michael Barber
ABOVE: Don Ashburn places ashes on the forehead of choir member Geoff Colton during the Ash Wednesday service.Sara Hirsch stirs a pot while preparing a portion of the meal to be served in Guild Hall.David Haecker pours wine into glasses an hour before dinner.Gary Montague chats with Don Ashburn while serving wine to Christy Guidici.Don Ashburn prays ahead of meal service.John and Connie Halley help serve the meal, consisting of Salmon Wellington, rice pilaf, ratatouille, green salad and dessert.Coming in from the cold, Paul Talledo prepares a plate.Choir members Nancy Marvel, Jo Giessler, Laura Taylor and Annie Obendorf rehearse with Stephen Main and the Chancel Choir ahead of the Ash Wednesday service.Stephen Main conducts the Chancel Choir during the anthem, Steal Away, performed in the choir loft.Don Ashburn delivers the meditation, Fasting Before Feasting, from the pulpit.Parishioners line up to receive the imposition of ashes.Steve Senter joyfully receives ashes from Steve Schibsted.Cal Walters receives ashes from Don Ashburn.Mitti Igo participates in the service. Tom Parry, right, and Steve Schibsted share a moment as the service concludes.Steve Schibsted and Don Ashburn close the service with a benediction.
