Sharpsburg Parish Holds Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service

Published: March 3, 2005

In Sharpsburg, Ash Wednesday, which fell on Feb. 9 this year, was marked by the annual ecumenical service for members of St. Mary Magdalene Church and Cokes Chapel United Methodist Church. The two churches are next-door neighbors on Lower Fayetteville Road. The overflow crowd gathered together for the imposition of ashes, a traditional sign of penance and acknowledgment of human mortality. The choir for the service included members from both congregations. Shown during the ceremony (l-r) are Father Dan Fleming, pastor of St. Mary Magdalene; Deacon Don Kelsey of St. Mary Magdalene; and Rev. John Hagen, pastor of Cokes Chapel.