California church offers drive-thru ashes to Lent observers

A Southern California church is giving the faithful a chance to fit Ash Wednesday into their commute.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Upland is offering drive-thru ashes for those observing the start of Lent, the period of penitence leading up to Easter.

Father Keith Yamamoto tells the Daily Bulletin people in Southern California spend a lot of time in their cars and the church needs to be accessible to people where they are at.

Yamamoto says he also hopes connect with those who haven’t been to church recently so they’ll come to regular services.

The drive-thru event was inspired by a movement among churches around the country to offer ashes in public places such as transportation hubs.