Sacramento Church Offering Drive-Thru Ashes

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – One church in Sacramento is making sure that busy people who maybe don't have the time for a full service are able to celebrate Ash Wednesday.

The new pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church says "Ashes To Go" is great busy commuters. It's the first time the church has done this in midtown Sacramento. You can get a cross on your forehead by walking up the church, or by stopping your car right in front.

"I would ask if they want the ashes on their forehead, and then I would simply make a cross and say 'Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return, amen," said Rev. Leslie Welton.

Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of the Lenten season. For many, it's a time for reflection.

"It's really the start of the journey towards Easter; a reminder of faith and what has been given for us," said Liz Long, one of the people who received an ash cross in front of St. John's.

By noon, dozens of people had taken advantage of the church's drive-thru ashes.

"There is something about ancient traditions that I think really helped me feel connected to the other people in the city that are doing the same thing ... other people across the world who are having ashes put on their forehead to remember our mortality," said Holly Kennedy , who works at St. John's.

Services run throughout the day. If you're interested in stopping by, the church is located at 17th and L Streets.