It was an Easter Sunday to remember and the Vernal Christian Church found a creative way to come together and celebrate while maintaining TriCounty Health Department guidelines. Senior Minister Marty Young delivered his Easter sermon from an outdoor makeshift stage in the church parking lot where the congregation was parked and ready to listen as the services were broadcast live on Newstalk 104.5 FM and AM 920 KVEL. “It was a great experience for all,” shares Young, who estimates there were about 200 to 250 people on site spread between 115 vehicles. The service was also live streamed over the church’s Facebook page to about 90 screens and additional participants listened in live on the radio while at home or on the road. About 3 weeks ago Young talked with a preacher friend out east who was doing a Drive In Worship rather than online service. “We’ve done online service in addition to live for over 2 years and when the need to socially distance and avoid large gatherings became important, we were able to change over fairly easily,” shares Young. “But as the isolation continued it was obvious we needed to look at a possible way to keep people connected and still observe County and State COVID-19 directives.” Young started to research what it would take to do a Drive In service like his friend and he went to the health department and spoke with other officials to see if it would be a possibility. All gave an enthusiastic YES. The result was today’s uplifting and special Easter experience. For now, there are no plans to hold a Drive In service again soon but the response has been overwhelming and will be considered if needed.
