Hill Taylor, above, was a little more interested in the beads than the pancakes served up for Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Tuesday night.

Fat Tuesday traditionally represents the final day of revelry and overindulgence before the more somber period of Lent, which precedes Easter in the church calendar.

Today is Ash Wednesday, when Christians have ashes applied in the shape of a cross to their foreheads as a sign of penance.

First United Methodist Church of Andalusia will begin its luncheon services at noon in the sanctuary, and will be followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Lunches are $5.

St. Mary’s will hold Ash Wednesday services at noon and 6 p.m.

Christ the King Catholic Church will hold an Ash Wednesday mass at 12:10 p.m.