MERRILL, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — A local church found a new way to worship this Easter Sunday by holding a drive-in service.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill held the service after not being able to meet for almost a month, according to Associate Pastor Adam Rodriguez who spoke with WAOW-TV. “We haven’t been able to meet as a church for probably at least the last month.
“You know we found out a way that we can do it safely, but yet still gather as the community, as the church to hear the message this day that Jesus is risen.”
Administrative Pastor Scott Gustafson describes how the 500 families were able to participate in the service by listening to a local radio station. “We’re able to park and practice very safely we keep the windows up but yet we’re able to show that Jesus really is the reason we exist.
“We’re so grateful for all of the people that are here and also we think of the people that are unable to get out we keep them in our prayers we look around and we see all the cars and it’s just amazing.”
Rodriguez said the hope for the service was not only to honor the holiday but also to encourage the community and the church. “It’s great that we’re able to gather to see each other even if it’s through a pane of glass.
“We hope that people leave this church service feeling encouraged feeling that everything’s going to be okay.”
Local churches in Central Wisconsin were able to hold drive-in Holy Week services after Governor Evers clarified on Thursday that churches and religious entities could hold services in parking lots with congregants staying in cars to avoid person-to-person contact; streaming online, and having small gatherings of fewer than 10 people in each room for multiple services.
