New Providence Church Offers 'Drive-Thru Ashes'

From St. Andrews Church:

February 21 2020

Commuters and area residents are invited to take part in a "Drive-Thru Ashes" event on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26th at St. Andrews Church in New Providence. Now in its third year, the popularity of this program continues to grow. Last year more than 250 people took part. Clergy will be available to administer ashes from 7:00am until 7:00pm in the parking lot of the church at 419 South Street.

“People increasingly feel isolated and cut off, and yet there is a deep-seated desire among area residents to keep their traditions alive,” says Father Daniel Gunn, the priest at St. Andrews Church. “But it’s difficult for people who commute long distances to find time to attend a church service and receive ashes, so we’re making it easier for them.”

“Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, is a day when we remember our humanness by the mark of a cross on our foreheads," continued Father Daniel. "I was astonished at the number of people who came to receive the drive-thru ashes last year, and figured there must be a great need for this.” All are invited to drive through and receive ashes, which will be offered from 7:00am until 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 26th.

St. Andrews Church will hold three services on Ash Wednesday; regular services at 11:35am and at 7:30pm, with a “Kid Friendly” Service at 5:00pm. “If the idea of drive-thru ashes is not appealing to you,” said Father Daniel, “All are to welcome join us for a more traditional service.”

For more information, call the church office at 908-464-4875, or visit the church website at www.standrewschurch.org.

This press release was produced by the St. Andrews Church. The views expressed here are the author’s own.