Port Clinton churches bring Ash Wednesday service to local hospital

Ministerial association offers ashes and blessings to hospital staff and public

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Port Clinton Ministerial Association, made up of several local churches, brought an Ash Wednesday service to Magruder Hospital so that employees who couldn't attend a traditional church service could still observe the start of the Lenten season. Pastors from St. John Lutheran Church and Trinity United Methodist Church offered ashes and blessings to hospital staff and members of the public during the event.

Why it matters

The Ash Wednesday service is an important tradition for many Christians, marking the start of Lent. By bringing the service to the workplace, the ministerial association ensured that hospital employees who might not otherwise be able to attend a church service could still participate.

The details

The Ash Wednesday event was organized by the Port Clinton Ministerial Association, which includes churches like St. John Lutheran, Trinity United Methodist, St. Thomas' Episcopal, Firelands Presbyterian, and Peace Lutheran. Pastors from St. John and Trinity offered the ashes and blessings, which are traditional marks of repentance. The event was open to Magruder Hospital employees as well as the general public, providing an opportunity for those who couldn't make it to a regular church service.

  • The Ash Wednesday service took place on February 18, 2026.
  • Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season for many Christian denominations.

The players

Port Clinton Ministerial Association

An association of several local churches in Port Clinton, Ohio that focuses on worshiping and serving the community together.

Jarrod Schaaf

Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church and member of the Port Clinton Ministerial Association.

Virginia 'Ginny' Park

Pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church and member of the Port Clinton Ministerial Association.

Beth Gillman

Communications Coordinator at Magruder Hospital who attended the Ash Wednesday event.

Lois Evans

Member of Trinity United Methodist Church who attended the Ash Wednesday event.

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What they’re saying

“It's the start of the Lent season, and we want to remind people of our need for God and our need to turn back to God. Ashes are the traditional mark of repentance.”

— Jarrod Schaaf, Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church (thebeacon.net)

“It's so good they're doing this. I'm Catholic, and I couldn't do this otherwise because I work.”

— Beth Gillman, Communications Coordinator, Magruder Hospital (thebeacon.net)

“It's a really good idea. Anything that can connect people to the church is a good thing.”

— Lois Evans (thebeacon.net)

What’s next

The Port Clinton Ministerial Association plans to continue offering the Ash Wednesday service at Magruder Hospital in the coming years, ensuring that hospital staff and the public have the opportunity to observe this important tradition.

The takeaway

By bringing the Ash Wednesday service directly to the workplace, the Port Clinton Ministerial Association demonstrated a commitment to serving the community and ensuring that no one is left out of observing important religious traditions due to work or scheduling conflicts.