With a blustery south wind and a dedicated group of followers, Grace Lutheran Church in Thompson Township managed to bring Easter worship to a struggling community.
With a blustery south wind and a dedicated group of followers, Grace Lutheran Church in Thompson Township managed to bring Easter worship to a struggling community.
Pastor Steve Berndt constructed a way to bring a traditional Lutheran service to a community reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gathering was presented “drive-in” style, with parishioners staying in their car and listening to the service over the radio. Employing a piece of radio transmission hardware, Berndt was able to use a vacant local radio band 97.7FM to broadcast.
“You have seen firsthand how a tiny virus can spread. Just imagine how much more the Good News of Jesus Christ crucified and risen again could continue to spread by our own meager efforts as God’s instruments,” said Berndt as he opened the service.
With altar paraments dancing in the wind and worshippers safely tucked in their heated cars, the service brought Easter joy to members and guests Sunday morning. Easter is traditionally the most holy of all the church holidays, representing the day Jesus rose from the dead to save the faithful of the world from eternal destruction.
This novel worship approach was borne out of statewide mandate for people to keep their distance from one another and stay safely confined during the coronavirus pandemic. Reported stories described many churches across the nation had to cancel services for fear of cross-contamination and gathering in groups of more than 10.
“Because of God, let us be fearless in the face of disease, for Jesus has overcome death,” said Berndt. According to the Bible, three days after being crucified on the cross, Jesus was resurrected from death, brought back to life and rose to heaven. Followers believe faith in Jesus rewards believers with eternal life in heaven also.
During the service, Berndt and a deacon distributed communion to participants, going car-to-car. He wore an N95 mask and rubber gloves to ensure safe handling. Each communion wafer was dipped into the wine, so no germs were present anywhere.
At the end of the service, worshipers honked their horns in agreement and jubilation over having an opportunity to worship in the face of COVID-19.
Services will continue using this format as long as separation continues to be mandated.
Grace Lutheran Church is located near the corner of state Route 166 and state Route 6 in Thompson Township, and service is at 11:15 a.m. on Sundays. Berndt also pastors Holy Cross Church in Madison with the same service at 9:30 a.m.
"traditional" - Google News
April 16, 2020 at 09:46PM
https://ift.tt/3b9T2St
Non-Traditional Method Saves Traditional Worship - Geauga Maple Leaf
"traditional" - Google News
https://ift.tt/36u1SIt
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Non-Traditional Method Saves Traditional Worship - Geauga Maple Leaf"
Post a Comment