"Ashes To Go"
Faith United Methodist Church is on a mission--helping people make time for religion.
The church will host "Ashes To Go" on Ash Wednesday allowing people of all faiths to drive into the church's covered driveway and receive an ash marking and a short blessing. All are invited to drive through from 11 a.m to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14.
"People will be able to pull into our covered driveway and have ashes placed on their forehead or hand, share prayer concerns, receive a prayer and be sent on their way," Rev. Alan Gager said.
Some think this drive through option allows Christians to take a short cut on a sacred day that is about self-sacrificing. However, Rev. Gager believes, “The church should meet people where they are; folks shouldn't have to always feel they have to come into the church to meet the presence of God.”
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter. The day is significant for Christians, because unlike some other religions whose followers publically display their faith, Christians aren't so easily identified. However, on Ash Wednesday, a ash cross on the foreheads identifies people as Christian to neighbors and coworkers. It's one of the only days Christians make a public show of their religious identity.
Rev. Gager believes Christians may receive ashes at any church on Ash Wednesday---“the invitation to participate in ‘Ashes To Go’ is open to everyone. Rain or snow we will be outside waiting for you at the corner of 30th and Severance streets.”
