Tiverton church offers drive thru ashes
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
Father John Higginbotham, Pastor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tiverton, knows that many members of his church are very busy. On Ash Wednesday he met the people where it would be convenient for them- on the road.
Dubbed “drive thru ashes” or “ashes to go” the service brings worship to the streets. Father John greeted people in the church parking lot to smudge a cross of ashes on their foreheads. He says it’s a quick and convenient way to help the Christian community begin Lent.
“This takes about 15 seconds to do and they just make the U–turn and go out and they are done. They are on their way,” explained Fr. John.
Fr. John says the service may be unconventional, but it is effective. The service was offered for about a three hour window– early in the morning– when people were busy and heading off to work. The pastor estimates about 100 cars come through during that time, a number has been steady over the past 4 years.
“We have to meet people where they are at. It’s more important for us to help them begin their lent then to stubbornly stay within the confines of church. It fulfills a need in a community that is basically commuter,” said Fr. John.
Tiverton residents who stopped by are appreciative for the opportunity to get their ashes.
“I think it’s wonderful that the church is reaching out to people to make it as convenient as possible,” said Tome Andrade who stopped by to get his ashes to go.
Two masses are set for Wednesday at Holy Trinity for parishioners who prefer a more traditional observance of the holy day.
© WLNE-TV 2016
