A local church helped people celebrate Ash Wednesday in a unique way.
LakeRidge United Methodist Church organized drive-thru ashes for people who wanted to start off their celebration early. In the four hours of the event, approximately 65 people participated.
“It helps them to be able to start their morning off that way, and think about it throughout their day and not just end their day with it,” said Lyndol Loyd, lead pastor at LakeRidge United Methodist Church.
Traditionally, the church observes the sacred day together in an evening worship service. This is the first time they organized this event, said Loyd.
“I think people have really appreciated that we have tried to think outside the box and meet them where they are,” including people who on the way to work or during their lunch hour, he said.
People could drive up, roll down their window, receive a blessing and the imposition of ashes, and continue on their way, Loyd added.
They held two sessions from 7-9 a.m. and noon until 2 p.m. If people could not attend, evening mass was still held at 6 p.m.
They intend to host this event again in the future.
“If we have been able to impact the people in those cars and help them draw closer to Christ as they begin to celebrate Lent, observe that, and build up to Easter, I think that is a great thing,” said Loyd.
