Local church comes up with unique way for congregants to gather on Easter

MONROEVILLE, PA. — Due to the ban on gatherings implemented as part of the state’s coronavirus response, churches have been closed for weeks and worshipers have had to come up with creative ways to celebrate.

Now, with Easter upon us, one local congregation has decided to create a one-of-a-kind experience that will allow its members to gather together while maintaining proper social distancing.

Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

“We’re going to inject the atmosphere and the environment with faith and with hope, and this is going to really give a whole new meaning to ‘honk of you love Jesus,’” said Pastor Amy Schafer of Grace Life Church.

It’s called “drive-in church,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like.

If you’ve ever been to a drive-in movie, this is going to feel very similar. You pull into a spot in the parking lot, tune your radio into FM 90.1 and enjoy the service. It’s as easy as that.

“We have drive-by communion, gloves on, masks for everyone. They have a five-foot stick they can hand sealed and wrapped communion that hasn’t been touched, and everybody is abiding by the six-foot rule,” said Pastor Buck Schafer.

The Grace Life parking lot is too small to accommodate, so they're using the Goodwill outlet parking lot just a mile up the road in Monroeville.

The pastors said everyone is welcome. The parking lot holds around 700 cars and they want to fill it.

Pa. National Guard members helping areas with coronavirus relief Pa. National Guard members helping areas with coronavirus relief

© 2020 Cox Media Group