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How has your community found ways to continue to minister when "the church has left the building"? Send us your Good News Stories ideas! Contact Thomas Riggs, Communication and Administrative Coordinator or the Matt Curry, author and story collector.
By Matt Curry
HARLINGEN, TEXAS – Someone once said: It’s all about the options.
A church in the Rio Grande Valley has taken that bit of wisdom to heart, responding to the limitations imposed by the coronavirus outbreak by offering multiple and creative opportunities for worship.
At Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church, a part of Mission Presbytery, drive-in worship has received the most attention and even generated some controversy. Yet it is only one of a number of options available on Sunday mornings. Besides the two half-hour parking lot services, the faith community provides access online, has a phone-in option and has returned to in-person worship in the sanctuary.
In addition, the Rev. Charles Palmer offers a daily evening vespers service on the church’s Facebook page.
“We’ve tried to include everybody,” he said.
The parking lot service began with an idea that Palmer heard about from his brother in Pittsburgh – a Catholic church was using a radio transmitter to provide music right into the cars of passersby viewing lights during the Christmas season.
“I thought we might be able to try that. I easily googled FM transmitters, and there it was, $100,” he said. “I ordered one and it worked perfectly.”
Worshippers can watch the outdoor service while listening to the live service on their radios – all from the safety of their vehicles. Prerecorded music is included.
When the pastor first broached the idea of drive-in worship with the session, elder Paula Martin said it was hard for her to envision what Palmer was talking about.
“We all attended a dry run to see what it would be like, and it was all good,” she said. “I can’t tell you what a wonderful experience it is. It is such a blessing.”
Over the first few weeks, a few technical glitches had to be corrected, Palmer said, but each service began to run more smoothly. However, drive-in worship had to be temporarily halted after criticism from the county judge, who expressed concerns over safety, due to the pandemic.
“We even did it when the hurricane came through,” Palmer said. “We say that, rain or shine, we’re going to do it.”
Visitors have included a couple of neighborhood dogs, who caused Palmer some anxiety at the communion table. Two-legged visitors have attended, as well. And some longtime members who have not been seen in the sanctuary in a long time have also been spotted, church leaders said.
Palmer, who has served as the Treasure Hills pastor for 37 years, said communion is offered once a month with people bringing their own or being provided pre-packaged elements at their cars. Financial stewardship has gone so well that he hasn’t even had to mention it during worship. Buckets for the offering are positioned at the entrance and exit to the parking lot.
People are free to come as they are, bring their coffee and doughnuts. The setup adds an element of fun to the service, and often produces craned necks from those driving by. Late sleepers in the neighborhood may find themselves suddenly awakened when Palmer calls for a round of “hallelujah horn honks” from the congregation.
“It’s been better than I expected, to tell you the truth,” said parishioner Sally Villarreal. “You’re able to keep the cars on, the service is about 30 minutes. It meant a lot just to be in the parking lot, you get to wave at other people.”
In all its Sunday services, the church of about 175 members attracts a total of around 111, including 5 to 10 cars in the first drive-in service and 15 to 20 cars at the second.
Setting up is a lot of work, but well worth it, said Martin, who works with the worship team. Her son provides live streaming, whose viewers include a group of people who gather and watch from a local nursing home.
Martin said the services have energized the worship team and drawn them closer together while giving “a good shot in the arm“ to the entire church.
Church leaders say it is likely that drive-in worship will continue, even after the pandemic is over.
“I think, in a lot of ways, God is closer to us working on the worship team,” she said. “To know we are making a difference is a double blessing.”
The Rev. Matt Curry is in search of Good News from ministries throughout the Synod of the Sun that are making connections with their congregations and communities. Do you have an idea to share? Send Matt an email at cpcwaxpastor@gmail.com.
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