St. John’s United Church of Christ, Mickleys, is working with the busy schedules of its parishioners and community members. The church offered drive-thru ash services Feb. 18 in observance of Ash Wednesday.

St. Johns UCC, Mickleys, at 2918 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, was established 177 years ago. The church has been hosting drive-thru ashes since 2018, according to Pastor Virginia Schlegel.

Christian tradition has participants receiving ashes on their foreheads, in the sign of the cross, acknowledging the belief that from dust we come and to dust we will return.

“It’s the personal meaning (of the ashes) that makes the day special,” Schlegel said.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Christian season of Lent that runs six weeks, ending Easter Sunday. This year, Easter is April 5.