Drive Thru Church

What do you do when you are the new pastor in town and the church building is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic? How do you meet the congregation? Introduce them to your family? How in the world will you begin to get to know one another?

“Drive Thru Church” at Lacey Presbyterian Church was a fun way to meet the new transitional pastor (me) my husband Craig Monson and Madeline Monson daughter, receive communion, drop off food bank donations, and talk about plans for reopening the church campus. Kudos to the staff and leaders for trying something new!

1 hour. 48 vehicles. Arrivals staggered by last names. Every 15 minutes. 80 people in the vehicles including 6 kids and 1 puppy. 18 hosts. A dozen bright orange ‘welcome’ shirts. Communion served. Hospitality practiced. Children’s ministry resources shared. Offerings and food bank donations collected.

Already making plans for the next drive thru opportunity. We’re thinking about offering an abbreviated worship service. 10 am. Arrivals staggered by last names (as before) every 15 minutes. Estimated 11 minute liturgy.

P.S. Here’s an update on how “Drive Thru Church” has evolved - in August LPC hosted four mini drive-in worship services incorporating artistic expression. In September we began using FM broadcasting which greatly improved audio accessibility through car radios. Most recently have extended drive-in services to 25 minute services. As of mid-October, LPC is live streaming on Sundays from the sanctuary and offering monthly drive-thru opportunities after services for those who wish to receive communion elements, donate mission items, drop off offerings, and share in prayer.