So, maybe it's the drama queen in me, but I prefer to think that there is some deeper theology at work...but I don't just smudge ashes on my people's foreheads. I do things a little oddly.

Between the confession and the sung assurance of pardon (Brian Wren's "Dust and Ashes") I have a little liturgical moment. The ashes are in the middle of the plate our communion bread usually sits on. I take the pitcher I use to pour water in the font and remove a little water. I also have placed a small amount of anointing oil in the chalice.

I talk about this being a day when the ashes of our contrite hearts meet God's claim on us in our baptisms and our anointing--calling--as people of faith. All of these come together in our lives during lent--and so I mix a little of the water and oil into the ashes..it makes a very wet, but not runny black paste...and THAT is what I use to make the crosses on foreheads...

So what do you do?

And have I--as one friend put it--watered down the experience of Ash Wednesday?

Oh yeah...and when I place the cross on each forehead...while I'm doing it I say...
"From dust you came and to dust you will return..."
and then I cradle their face in my hand (dirty thumb well out of harms way) and say...
"But in the meantime, go as one who is claimed by a loving God and called to a ministry of love and hope."

End of Liturgy Geek/Drama Queen Pastor moment.