ATHOL — This Ash Wednesday, Pastor Mary Owen, of Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church at 40 Island St. in Athol, will be offering drive-thru ashes to anyone wishing to receive them.
On March 2 from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., Pastor Owen, along with other church leaders, will be in the parking lot behind the church to offer ashes and a blessing to visitors as they drive through. Guests are asked to use the lot’s Marble Street entrance, to stay in their cars and to wear a mask while receiving their ashes. However, a vehicle is not required to participate, and walk-thru visitors will be welcome.
Ash Wednesday is important, said Owen, because it marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.
Lent is a six-week period of fasting or self-sacrifice, prayer and introspection observed by Christians each year to prepare for the celebration of Easter, when they believe Christ rose from the dead to sit at the right hand of God, his father. The period of Lent concludes with Holy Week culminating in Easter Sunday.
Throughout Holy Week the Starrett Church will be offering a variety of hybrid services allowing worshipers to participate in person at the church or virtually via Zoom. Pastor Owen will also be leading a 6-week Bible study every Sunday at 7 p.m. throughout Lent.
For more information about anything happening at the church including how to participate online, visit them on Facebook @StarrettMemorialUMC or leave a message at 978-249-6677.