In discussing the church situation with an e-mail pal in another state, I mentioned that all our churches are online now, because of social distancing restrictions. We enjoyed watching internet services in our home on Palm Sunday, and God is able to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). However, as Easter approaches, we miss worshiping with our greater church family.
My e-mail friend and I both agreed that although we appreciate on-line services, it is not the same. I wondered if churches might be able to get together in parking lots (with all the congregants in their cars) and listen to church together on an FM radio band, or perhaps with loud speakers? (You might have experienced Christmas light displays, where they use a low power radio band to broadcast music in a limited area.) Kind of like a drive-in church. Years ago, way back in the 1970s, my grandparents went to a church in Florida that did this.
My friend shared with me that "James Plank in Beavertown, PA and Darrell Lee Stetler II in OKC are doing just that!" After a quick search, I found the following information:
An article mentioned “Worshippers roll in to drive-in services,” reporting that "Close to 200 vehicles parked in the wide parking lot for the morning service, which was held on a makeshift stage atop a truck box trailer in front of the church, located along Creek Road in Beaver Township."
Here is the link to Pastor Stetler's BibleMethodist drive-in church. I have not attended, nor do I have any further information on the above congregations, but this drive-in church idea sounds like it might be a model for other communities to try during this pandemic. If you think drive-in church might be workable in your location, please feel free to pass along the suggestion. Happy Easter, to all!