It was another sign of the times Wednesday as two Anglican priests sprinkled ashes over the heads of the faithful without the congregants having to get out of their cars.
Beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Trinity Anglican Church in southwest Bakersfield, a drive-thru format was used to minimize physical contact during the early-morning observance of Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
“We’ve never done this before, but with COVID, God is letting us try something different this year,” said the Rev. Karl Dietze, pastor at Trinity.
He didn’t really know whether anyone would even show up for the unusual Ash Wednesday rite, but Dietze said it was worth a try.
“We’re trying to do ministry and keep people safe at the same time,” he said.
Bakersfield Churches strive to maintain Ash Wednesday tradition, even as they bend it for safety's sake **FOLLOW ME I FOLLOW BACK!!** https://t.co/yLMxPZJJQh
— Bako.com (@Bakocom) February 18, 2021