Every Ash Wednesday, churches around the world participate in Ashes to Go, a ministry that brings church to the streets, offering moments of grace at bus terminals, coffee shops, church driveways, shopping malls, wherever busy people gather. The Rev. Emily Mellott, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown, NJ, and one of the founders of Ashes to Go, discusses the power of that ministry and how it aligns with the principles of Invite Welcome Connect.
The following is a lightly edited transcript of an interview between Steve Welch, Executive Director of Invite Welcome Connect and the Rev. Emily A. Mellott, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown, NJ, and one of the founders of Ashes to Go.
Introduction
Steve Welch: Hi, we're joined today by the Rev. Emily A. Mellott, who is rector of Trinity Church in Moorestown, New Jersey. Emily was one of the folks who was instrumental in launching the nationally growing Ashes to Go movement, in which church leaders take to the streets on Ash Wednesday to offer prayer and ashes to people who need to meet God outside the walls of the church.
Emily, thank you for being with us.
Emily Mellott: I'm delighted.
What is Ashes to Go?
Steve Welch: Tell us a little bit about Ashes to Go. What's it all about? How did it get started? And how big is it?
Emily Mellott: I'll answer the last question first—it's too big for me to keep track of now!
At one point, while managing the website ashestogo.org, I had a good idea of where and when Ashes to Go would be offered. But the movement has grown so much that there’s no way to track it anymore.
We don’t keep data, but it has spread across North America, including the U.S. and Canada, and there have been many sites in England as well. The movement initially traveled through the Anglican Church, but I know other churches in Europe and even South Africa have tried it.
How Does Ashes to Go Work?
Steve Welch: What exactly does a church do when they participate in Ashes to Go?
Emily Mellott: It is the simplest possible version of the Ash Wednesday liturgy, boiled down to one prayer and interaction. It can be a brief individual encounter or a slightly larger prayer service—but always outside of the church.
For example, clergy and laypeople might:
Hold a five-minute service in a coffee shop.
Stand on a train platform offering ashes to commuters.
Be outside a grocery store, much like the Girl Scouts selling cookies!
The key is to be in places where people do not expect the church to be.
I usually recommend that those offering Ashes to Go wear liturgical garments so that they are recognizable as someone performing a church-related act. People may approach us when they see the ashes on our foreheads or our vestments, or we may greet them and ask if they would like to receive ashes.
We use a version of the Collect for Ash Wednesday from the Book of Common Prayer, then impose the ashes with the words:"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
If someone has a moment to spare, I always ask, "Is there anything else we can pray for today?" It’s a simple but profound moment of connection.
Ashes to Go and Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging
Steve Welch: Our ministry of Invite, Welcome, Connect teaches congregations how to practice evangelism, hospitality, and belonging. How do you think Ashes to Go aligns with these principles?
Emily Mellott: I think all three are at the heart of Ashes to Go.
Evangelism: Ashes to Go is evangelism in action. It brings repentance, forgiveness, and grace into everyday life—meeting people where they are. Many people experience deep struggles in their daily routines, and encountering God outside the church can be transformative. It tells people that God cares about them beyond the church walls.
Hospitality: Taking ashes to public spaces creates sacred space where people may not expect it. A train platform, grocery store, or coffee shop becomes holy for a moment. The clergy and laypeople offering ashes need to be confident and welcoming because many people have never participated in Ash Wednesday before.
Belonging: The ashes themselves serve as a symbol of belonging. When someone receives ashes, they become part of a visible community—one that recognizes the meaning behind that mark. Even if they don’t belong to a church, the ashes remind them that they belong to God.
Building Community Through Ashes to Go
Steve Welch: It seems like belonging also extends to the team offering the ashes. Would you say that’s true?
Emily Mellott: Absolutely!
Since I began offering Ashes to Go in 2013, I have always had laypeople join me. At 6:00 AM on Ash Wednesday, I would have a dedicated group of three to six people standing with me on a train platform, eager to share the love and welcome of God.
This practice empowers congregation members. Even those who don’t feel comfortable talking about their faith can offer a prayer, a blessing, or a simple welcome—connecting with others in a tangible way.
Transformative Moments
Steve Welch: It sounds like Ashes to Go can lead to some really powerful moments. Have you experienced any?
Emily Mellott: So many!
One that stands out is a school bus driver who pulled over, jumped out, and said, "I need this. I can't believe you're here. I need this so much."
That moment stuck with me because it showed how deeply people crave a connection with God—sometimes in the most unexpected places.
Another example is a Jewish photographer who was covering the event. At first, he didn’t think much of it, but by the end, he said, "This is really important, and I would like you to give me a blessing." That was incredibly moving.
Invitation to Church and Further Engagement
Steve Welch: When encountering people who are unchurched, is there an opportunity to invite them to regular services?
Emily Mellott: Yes, absolutely!
I always carry printed resources—either prayers or invitations to events at my church. It’s important to give people a next step if they are interested.
Many people we encounter are either:
Regular churchgoers who can’t attend on Ash Wednesday.
Former church members who have lost their connection.
Curious seekers exploring faith for the first time.
We offer a variety of ways to connect, from Lenten classes to service projects, so that people can find different entry points into the life of the church.
The Impact on the Church Community
Steve Welch: It seems like Ashes to Go is just as important for the congregation offering it as it is for the people receiving ashes.
Emily Mellott: It absolutely is!
It helps church members see that many people outside the church are hungry for faith, connection, and community. Often, people have left the church due to negative experiences, and walking through church doors can be a huge barrier.
By going outside the church walls, we create a welcoming and accessible entry point—one that meets people where they are instead of expecting them to come to us.
Closing Thoughts
Steve Welch: Mother Emily Mellott, thank you for joining us today. Where will you be on Ash Wednesday this year?
Emily Mellott: I’ll be at the corner of Church and Main Streets in Moorestown, New Jersey, offering Ashes to Go to pedestrians and drivers near our church.
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