SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — One church is making it convenient for those who do not have time to attend Ash Wednesday services.
A robed minister will be standing outside in front of St. David's Episcopal Church on Ash Wednesday, ready to administer ashes to motorists.
A common tradition of Ash Wednesday, marking an ashen cross on the foreheads of believers usually is performed during a service inside Christian churches at the beginning of the penitential spiritual season of Lent. This year, St. David’s is offering ashes both inside and outside the church.
Ashes will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the driveway in front of the church from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The driveway is parallel to Twelve Mile Road. Motorists may easily enter the driveway from the side closest to the sign for St. Anne’s Mead Assisted Living and Nursing Care. Then they can travel westbound a short distance down the driveway until the reach the station for ashes by the front doors of the church. Motorists may stay in their cars while they receive their ashes. Afterward, they may quickly exit the driveway and continue on their journey down Twelve Mile Road.
“Last year, more than 500 people received prayer and ashes through this ministry,” said Chris Yaw, rector of St. David’s Parish. “What’s more, many of us, who served on that day, were blessed by the opportunity we had to meet and pray with others.”
