LOCAL

York's drive-thru Ash Wednesday, by the numbers

It isn't just for busy people. It could be used by an ill person who, for medical purposes, can't be exposed to large groups

Mark Walters
mwalters@ydr.com
The Rev. Laura Haupt, left, offers Ashes To Go to a fellow Lutheran minister, the Rev. Katie Brantner, on Ash Wednesday at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Spring Garden Township.

In the 21st century, it's important to reach people where they are, explained Laura Haupt, pastor at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Spring Garden Township.

Ashes To Go allows people to drive through the parking lot at Luther Memorial on Hollywood Drive and receive ashes on their foreheads from the seat of their cars on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

"God meets us not just in worship, but in the midst of life," a church brochure states. "We offer the opportunity to make space for Faith and return to God for those whose schedules make it hard to stop and pray with others today."

"Drive-thru" services were offered in communities elsewhere in the region, including in Lebanon, where two pastors stood outside a Turkey Hill and applied a cross of ashes to local foreheads.

It isn't just for busy people. It could be used by an ill person who, for medical purposes, can't be exposed to large groups, Haupt said.

The ashes, based on Genesis 3:19, remind people to "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Below is an Ashes To Go rundown, by the numbers.

1

Person who received ashes from Luther Memorial's drive-thru ash Wednesday program. The morning weather, which caused school delays, likely made it difficult for more people to make it, Haupt figured.

2

Minutes it takes for a drive-thru ash service, which contains a giving of the ashes, a right of confession and forgiveness.

3

Ash Wednesday services were offered at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church.

30

Minutes it took for the church's afternoon service, which was attended by roughly 30, Haupt said.

60

Minutes for Wednesday evening's traditional service.

90

Minutes Haupt stood outside Wednesday morning, praying for passersby as they drove through the snow and ice.

25-30

Approximate temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, while Haupt waited outside.

2

Approximate hours it took for Haupt and her two children to burn palms Tuesday night into the ash used Wednesday.

2-3

Approximate ounces of ashes that Haupt said would last all day Wednesday.

70

Size of the approximate weekly congregation at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church.

A short prayer is offered with the ashes that Rev. Laura Haupt prepared with her daughter.

Contact Mark Walters at 771-2032 or follow him on Twitter at @walt_walters.