Drive-Through Ashes on Ash Wednesday, March 1, in Vienna

VIENNA, VA -- Commuters and area residents are invited to take part in the first “Drive-Thru Ashes” event next week on Ash Wednesday, March 1 at The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) in Vienna. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday, and placing them on the heads of participants, usually to the accompaniment of the words "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Pastor Eric Song will be available from 6:30 to 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the church at 2351 Hunter Mill Road to administer ashes and distribute copies of the church’s 18th annual Devotions for Lent publication. The church will also be handing out free coffee.

Location of The Church of the Good Shepherd (Google maps) in Vienna: