Published February 18. 2021 04:14PM
After nearly a year of social distancing, you might think a lot of churches would be offering drive-thru service for receiving ashes.
However, streaming Ash Wednesday services was the choice for many, followed by a handful of churches offering inside services with mandatory masks and social distancing.
Zion United Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville has offered drive-thru ashes for several years, and this year was exceptionally busy.
The church offered ashes-to-go from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m., as well as a 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday worship service.
At 5 p.m., with just 30 minutes to go, and still a long line for those waiting to receive ashes, the Rev. Ann Melot said, “So far for the day we had 150 people come through the drive-up to hear the verses read before receiving the repentance ashes on their forehead. You don’t need to be a member of the church to receive ashes, and some people were happy they could drive through and get their ashes.”
The Kotaras are Catholic but said they felt safer coming to Zion, where they didn’t have to worry about social distancing.
Frankie Couchman stops at Zion United Lutheran Church so she and her daughter Gianna can receive ashes. AMY LEAP/TIMES NEWS
Dan Montgomery, a member of Zion United Lutheran Church, braves the cold weather to let people know they can receive their ashes at the church's drive-thru. AMY LEAP/TIMES NEWS
A participant listens to the Rev. Ann Melot as they receive a cross at Zion United Lutheran Church.
The drive-thru ashes at Zion United Lutheran Church was from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and at 5 p.m. cars were still pulling into the driveway to receive their ashes.