Distributing ashes in a pandemic

Even though First Congregational Church in Port Washington isn’t holding in-person Sunday services due to the pandemic, church leaders wanted to do something special on Feb. 17 to mark Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season. So they held a drive-through imposition of ashes (lower photo), with the Rev. Scott McLeod distributing ashes as well as Lenten activity packets to roughly 36 people, both congregation members and nonmembers, who drove — or, in two cases, walked — to the church, including (top) Katherine “Kitchie” Allen. McLeod said he is hopeful that the congregation can open its door again soon.              
 
    Photos by Sam Arendt