Vienna Church Prepares For Lent Season With Drive-Thru Ashes

VIENNA, VA — Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season for some Christian faiths, and one Vienna church will return to a pre-pandemic practice of offering drive-thru ashes.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, a United Methodist church, will observe the start of Lent with drive-thru ashes on Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. The event will be held in the parking lot of the church at 2351 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna. Copies of the church's 24th annual Devotions for Lent publication will also be handed out, as well as coffee and cookies.

Ash Wednesday typically involves Christians receiving ash on their forehead on the first day of Lent. The Christian observance of Lent will begin on Wednesday and end with Easter on Sunday, April 9.

"The imposition of ashes in the shape of a cross on our foreheads marks the beginning of our Lenten journey, and we are so excited to offer our Drive-Thru Ashes for our neighbors and community once again," said Pastor Eric Song.

The drive-thru ashes are a change from the church's pandemic practices. Instead of marking ashes on foreheads, the pastor handed out small crosses filled with ashes during the pandemic.

The church will also host its Ash Wednesday service at the church and online at 7:30 p.m. For those interested in receiving the church's devotions for Lent publication, visit www.GoodShepherdVA.com or check Facebook for daily devotions at www.Facebook.com/goodshepherdvienna. Limited paper copies are available by contacting the church office.