 Cities across the nation are going to church for Ash Wednesday and some churches are adding glitter to those ashes to show support for members of the LGBTQ community. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and usually lasts for 40 days and it lets people come to terms with mortality. The ashes symbolize the end of life. One local pastor says he wouldn't necessarily rule out this new practice in a church he was serving with consultation from his congregation. Some of the things that churches and congregations are doing in terms of being present with the LGBTQ community at those sorts of events relationally, how a person interacts with a person that is in that kind of status, to me is more essential than the outward symbols. Pastor Cop says his hope for Ash Wednesday is for everyone to enter into and be a part of the community. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.