MANCHESTER, Mo (KMOX) - A St. Louis County church's annual, and quite popular, tradition of "drive-thru Ash & Dash" is being postponed by a week due to the winter weather.
Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Christian faith, known as Ash Wednesday, but Machester United Methodist Church will be moving its drive-thru experience to next Wednesday, Feb. 24. The church says it's due to the winter weather as St. Louis was blanketed with more than 10 inches of snow in some areas.
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The drive-thru ashing is something this Manchester church has done for years, but seems even more apropos amid this pandemic. However, this year clergy will be on hand to pray with vehicle occupants and offer a free cross keepsake in lieu of ashes.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a painful reminder of how fragile life is for each of us.” said Rev. Jim Peich, Executive Pastor of Ministry and Leadership. He explained that, “Ash Wednesday is a time to reflect upon our human mortality while also remembering that God’s unconditional love and amazing grace offers us hope for the future.”
The event is open to the public and participants do not need to belong to a church. It will be held at the church's normal Christmas tree lot, at 14380 Manchester Rd. in Ballwin. It will be open from 7-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and 4-6 p.m.
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Last year, more than 400 people participated, reports KSDK.
Machester UMC is still holding a traditional service tonight at 7 p.m. which you can watch on Facebook live, here.
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