Two churches, neighbors on Lower Fayetteville Road, will once again share an ecumenical service for Ash Wednesday, March 1.

Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church parishioners and members of Cokes Chapel United Methodist Church will gather in the sanctuary of Cokes Chapel for the occasion. Because of the large numbers who have attended the service in past years, two separate services are planned, one at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7:30 p.m.

Father Daniel J. Fleming, pastor of Saint Mary Magdalene’s and Pastor John Hagen, pastor of Cokes Chapel United Methodist, will share the sanctuary and leadership of the services for both religious communities.

Choirs from both churches will join in a special music program.

Cokes Chapel’s sanctuary is at 4096 Lower Fayetteville Rd., near the intersection with Ga. Hwy. 154 (McCollum-Sharpsburg Rd.).

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent which culminates on Easter Sunday, April 16.