TRADITION LIVES ON

First Lutheran Church adapts to serve parishioners during pandemic

Snow illuminated the morning skies Feb. 17 as parish members of First Lutheran Church, 1019 W. Fifth St. in Lorain, hosted an Ash Wednesday driveby event.

With the novel coronavirus still spreading, Pastor Rosy Rivera said it was best to remain socially distanced.

Parishioners were welcomed from 7 to 8 a.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. to receive ashes on their

foreheads.

“The celebration of Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent which focuses on three pillars: prayer, fasting and service,” Rivera said.

The ashes come from palms used during a previous Palm Sunday to make the shape of a cross on foreheads of church members.

“...I feel that it gives the congregation a chance to feel united.”

— Pastor Rosy Rivera

“This day is a reminder of our morality, of repentance, of forgiveness. We set the slate clear and enter reflection. Remember, you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” — Pastor Rosy Rivera

Each cross was done with a Q-tip, and those receiving them were expected to wear masks, Rivera said.

At this time last year, there was a typical Ash Wednesday mass and to mark the beginning of Lent. However, by Easter 2020 in-person celebrations weren’t possible.

“We’re trying to make people still feel like they’re included,” Rivera said.

In efforts to make the services more accessible, First Lutheran is offering interactive Zoom church services and takeaway communion.

Rivera said the decision was difficult for her because it goes against tradition.

“It was a tough decision because our bishop was not in favor of it,” she said. “But, I knew there were other pastors in the area doing it, and I feel that it gives the congregation a chance to feel united.”

During the Ash Wednesday

drive-by, Rivera had pre-packaged, consecrated wafers and wine for communion.

She also had a calendar for special dates during Lent.

“This day is a reminder of our morality, of repentance, of forgiveness,” Rivera said. “We set the slate clear and enter reflection.

“Remember, you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”

LYRIC AQUINO — THE MORNING JOURNAL Sue Perry, pantry services coordinator of First Lutheran Church in Lorain, receives her ashes Feb. 17from Pastor Rosy Rivera to mark the start of the Lenten season.