Vancouver church offering a drive-thru Ash Wednesday blessing

A Vancouver church is putting a new spin on an age-old tradition.

Taking place this week, Ash Wednesday, which signals the beginning of Lent, traditionally includes a service in which parishioners are blessed on the forehead with ash.

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For those who want to receive a blessing, but may not have time to stop for the full service, or have mobility issues when getting out of their car, the Canadian Memorial United Church, located at 1825 West 16th Avenue, is doling out another option.

The church is inviting people to drop by the Centre for Peace any time between 7 am and 7 pm on Wednesday to be marked with ashes, but “if you’re driving and in a rush or otherwise can’t get out of your vehicle, you don’t even have to leave your car.”

Yes, simply pull up into the parking lot, “honk for ashes” and a minister will come out to meet and bless you.

In addition to the parking lot prayers, the church is also offering a “reflective Ash Wednesday gathering” in the Great Hall.