Ashes to Go at Michigan State University

I headed out to share Ashes to Go this year for Ash Wednesday on campus.  I typically set up at Wells Hall where the infamous Wells Hall Preacher reminds students who pass by that they are likely to burn in hell.  I rather like the juxtaposition of an invitation begin the Lenten journey toward Easter. This year as it was really cold I decided to head over to the MSU Student Union.  I enjoyed meeting students.  This is what I say.

"Good Morning!  Happy Ash Wednesday.  Would you like some Ash for your journey?"

This is what students say.

"Is today Ash Wednesday already?, I have to call my mom and remind her"
"I am so glad your here I wasn't able to make it to church"
"No thanks, I am not catholic" (it's ok I am not either)
"What's the tattoo on your head?"
"I have been looking all over for you"
"No thanks"

After about an hour and 15 minutes of sharing and meeting people.  The MSU Union Facilities Manager came approached me.

"Good Morning! Happy Ash Wednesday. Would you like some Ash?", I said.

She said, "No Thanks" and then informed me that as I had not applied to solicit through her office that I would have to cease and desist.  When I told her that I was part of the Registered Religious Advisors on Campus and apologized for not completing the appropriate forms, and explained that I was only in the Union today due to the cold. She told me that there was a service in the MSU Chapel on Wednesday evening that the Union would be directing students toward.  Not wanting to put up a fight, I complied left the building and spent the rest of my time outside the MSU Union building.

This experience left me feeling like a real rebel for Jesus!

Then I headed over to Landon Hall across the street where I regularly gather for a weekly Wednesday lunch bunch.  The staff there immediately greeted me with a warmer welcome and asked me to share ashes with them and pray with them. Students would come to our table and ask if they could get some ashes.   I guess its easier to begin the Lenten journey when you have spent some time in that community breaking bread.