Ash Wednesday 2026: Ashes to Go Offered in Basking Ridge
For community members who cannot attend a full worship service, clergy will be available in the parking lot of the Old Mill Inn — located at the intersection of Route 202 and N. Maple Avenue — from 6 to 8 AM. Anyone who stops by can receive the brief imposition of ashes, a traditional Christian practice that takes only a moment and requires no prior arrangement. The offering will take place rain or shine.
Two other worship services will also be celebrated:
Noon Worship Service
Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1 E. Oak St, Basking Ridge
Evening Worship Service — 7:00 PM
Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, 22 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge
Both worship services include traditional Ash Wednesday elements: the imposition of ashes and the celebration of holy communion. Services are approximately 45 to 60 minutes in length.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection and renewal observed by many Christian traditions around the world. The imposition of ashes — a cross of ash marked on the forehead — is a centuries-old practice symbolizing human mortality and the hope of renewal. The traditional words spoken at the imposition are: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
All three offerings are free and open to the entire community. No registration is required. Those with questions may contact Bishop Janes United Methodist Church at 22 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge 908-766-1108 or [email protected].
