Published February 25. 2021 01:39PM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fogelsville, celebrated Ash Wednesday by receiving “ashes to go,” during a drive-through imposition of ashes Feb. 17 in the church parking lot.
The move outdoors was a result of being compliant with COVID-19 recommendations for social distancing and mask use.
The tradition of Ash Wednesday began in the 11th century B.C.E. and include a day of fasting.
The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday gained widespread popularity in American Christian churches in the late 1970s.
Pastor Nelson Quinones with St. John's Lutheran Church, Fogelsville, using a cotton tipped applicator, prepares to administer the crossbar on the forehead of parishioner Helga Howard, of Fogelsville, during the “ashes to go” drive-through Feb. 17 in the church parking lot. Additional photos on page A7. PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
Pastor Nelson Quinones with St. John's Lutheran Church, Fogelsville, applies a cross of ashes on the forehead of Upper Macungie's Carol Moyer.
St. John's Lutheran Church member Diane Heintzelman hands parishioner Carol Moyer a church bulletin and communion elements during the “ashes to go” drive-through on Feb. 17 in the church parking lot.
Theresa Muick, of Fogelsville, a St. John's Lutheran Church member, receives a church bulletin and communion elements from fellow church member Diane Heintzelman. PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
