A tradition started more than a decade ago continues when St. David\u2019s Episcopal Church pastors offer drive-thru blessings on Ash Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The Ash Wednesday ritual involves a pastor using ashes to draw a cross on the foreheads of Christians, marking the start of Lent, a season of penitence that culminates with the celebration of Easter as a symbol of renewal.<\/p>\n
St. David\u2019s rector, the Rev. Chris Yaw, said last year more than 500 people attended the drive-thru ministry, adding that many helping the church perform the service felt \u201cblessed by the opportunity we had to meet and pray with others.\u201d<\/p>\n
St. David\u2019s has two indoor services planned, at noon and 7 p.m., for people who would prefer a full service with the ashes and administration of the Holy Eucharist.<\/p>\n
Rev. Yaw said Ash Wednesday begins a time of \u201creflection and repentance for what we have done and what we have failed to do. We hope that Drive-Thru Ashes can make the message and meaning of this day more accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The drive-thru ashes ministry started in 2015, which drew 100 people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 600 joined the drive-thru line in 2021.<\/p>\n
This year, ashes will be offered outside the church between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Drivers should enter the church parking lot from the driveway closest to the sign for St. Anne\u2019s Mead assisted-living facility to the front doors of the church, where the ashes and blessing will be dispensed.<\/p>\n