Opening Lent with Dixieland worship, drive-through Ash Wednesday

St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Aurora will open Lent with an annual Dixieland worship service, a Mardi Gras-style luncheon and Ash Wednesday services including a drive-through imposition of ashes.

The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.

On Sunday, March 2, a Dixieland band featuring Kristin Young, church music director and local musicians, will perform during the 10 a.m. service.

A Mardi Gras luncheon will follow with jambalaya, cornbread, spicy fried chicken, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, fresh fruit, and King’s cake. A $5 donation is suggested for the luncheon.

On Ash Wednesday, March 5, new senior pastor Rev. Krista Zimmerman will impose ashes at the 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. services and from noon to 1 p.m. during a drive-through in the church parking lot, 27 S. Edgelawn Drive.

Pastor Zimmerman will include individual blessings with ashes. She will be officially welcomed at a reception following 10 a.m. worship on Sunday, March 9.

Call (630) 897-6891 for more information.