This Ash Wednesday, February 18, Holy Trinity Lutheran. Church invites our Midtown neighbors to take a brief, meaningful pause with “Ashes to Go.” You can drive by or walk through our parking lot at 1900 The Plaza between 6:30–9:00 a.m. or 4:00–6:00 p.m. No service, no speeches—just a moment of reflection, kindness, and care. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season when many people slow down, reflect on life, and make space for renewal. Receiving ashes—a small cross gently marked on the forehead—has long been a way to acknowledge that life is fragile and grace is real. Ashes to Go is for anyone who wants a quiet, grounding moment—whether you’re deeply spiritual, loosely connected to faith, or simply curious. You don’t need to belong to a church or believe a certain way. Just come as you are.
Interim Pastor Carolyn Hayford says, “We want to meet people in their everyday lives and offer a simple sign of grace. At Holy Trinity, we try to live ‘Loving, Not Judging.’ Ashes to Go is a way of saying: you are human, you matter, and you are not alone.”
This is Holy Trinity’s first year offering Ashes to Go, and we’d love to share this quiet moment with you—right in the middle of an ordinary day.
No cost. No expectations. All are welcome.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Our Mission: Led by the Spirit of Christ's unconditional love for all people, especially those whom the world has marginalized, we welcome all to the table of the Lord and share the truth of God's grace in the world.
On May 31, 2025 the NC Synod Assembly called our own Rev. Emily Hartner to be the new bishop-elect. She is the first woman to serve as the NC Synod Bishop. We continue to hold Bishop Hartner in our hearts and prayers and wish her the best in her new calling.
Please join us during this "interim" time, as we walk through the call process with the NC Synod and search for our new full-time pastor.
Meet Pastor Carolyn Hayford, our new Interim Pastor!
“Originally from Florida, I have lived primarily in the Southeast and have worked a variety of jobs before being ordained in 2017. Before retiring from ministry, I was an assistant, interim, and solo pastor in Birmingham, Alabama, and a dean for the ELCA Southeastern Synod. I have a passion for social justice and enjoy listening to people, walking, reading and watching underdog movies. I moved to Matthews, NC in 2024 as a gift to my wonderful adult children. They are scattered in the US: Samantha in Massachusetts, Nathaniel in South Carolina and Benjamin in Texas. I am honored to serve alongside you as you do ministry here at Holy Trinity in preparation for your next pastor.”
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