Well over 200 cars gathered in the parking lot of Highway Tabernacle Church in Austintown for Easter Sunday. Worshipers remained in their vehicles throughout, and thanks to a quick tune on the radio dial and a monumental TV screen, they were able to watch and listen as if they were inside.
Those in attendance simply tuned their radios to "99.9 FM" to pick up the churche's frequency, allowing them to hear their service crystal clear. Cameras set up inside the church were synced to the big screen outside so the parishioners could watch as well.
For Lead Pastor Gary Gray, the setup at his church was a little different, but very welcoming.
"We think today is so important to our Christian faith," he said. "We want to be safe, but [to have] everyone on the same campus....This is so special."
He added there was some uncertainty if something so special could take place, given the surrounding circumstances.
"Only about eight or ten days ago we knew for sure we could do it. We weren't going to proceed if we were going against any guidelines or putting anybody at risk."
The "show" went on without a hitch, thanks in part to Trailex LED Event Solutions, for allowing the church to borrow the near $1 million-screen for free. The screen illuminated worship, Pastor Gray and Bible verses at times too.
During the sermon, Pastor Gray told his congregation to flash their headlights instead of normally saying "Amen". A little un-traditional, but a fun way to keep everyone engaged from their vehicles.
"You know with everything going on, it definitely wasn't a normal Easter Sunday," said Natalie Hoelzel, parishioner at Highway Tabernacle. "It worked really well. I mean, this was really cool and it was nice to be able to still come and do church on Easter Sunday."
Of course, people had the option to stay home, but it seemed nobody did.
"I was blown away when we got here," Hoelzel added. "There were well over 200 cars, I think around 400 or 450 people so it was a great turnout."
"To go through the effort to come together and worship Christ and celebrate the Resurrection and to get the chance to come together, this is priceless," said Pastor Gray.
He added though faith is critical in tough times, it helps to have a little Youngstown grit too.
"Youngstown has been through great struggle in the past. We know how to get through adversity so today, celebrating together is a big deal. I'm grateful to get to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ."
www.wfmj.com
Those in attendance simply tuned their radios to "99.9 FM" to pick up the churche's frequency, allowing them to hear their service crystal clear. Cameras set up inside the church were synced to the big screen outside so the parishioners could watch as well.
For Lead Pastor Gary Gray, the setup at his church was a little different, but very welcoming.
"We think today is so important to our Christian faith," he said. "We want to be safe, but [to have] everyone on the same campus....This is so special."
He added there was some uncertainty if something so special could take place, given the surrounding circumstances.
"Only about eight or ten days ago we knew for sure we could do it. We weren't going to proceed if we were going against any guidelines or putting anybody at risk."
The "show" went on without a hitch, thanks in part to Trailex LED Event Solutions, for allowing the church to borrow the near $1 million-screen for free. The screen illuminated worship, Pastor Gray and Bible verses at times too.
During the sermon, Pastor Gray told his congregation to flash their headlights instead of normally saying "Amen". A little un-traditional, but a fun way to keep everyone engaged from their vehicles.
"You know with everything going on, it definitely wasn't a normal Easter Sunday," said Natalie Hoelzel, parishioner at Highway Tabernacle. "It worked really well. I mean, this was really cool and it was nice to be able to still come and do church on Easter Sunday."
Of course, people had the option to stay home, but it seemed nobody did.
"I was blown away when we got here," Hoelzel added. "There were well over 200 cars, I think around 400 or 450 people so it was a great turnout."
"To go through the effort to come together and worship Christ and celebrate the Resurrection and to get the chance to come together, this is priceless," said Pastor Gray.
He added though faith is critical in tough times, it helps to have a little Youngstown grit too.
"Youngstown has been through great struggle in the past. We know how to get through adversity so today, celebrating together is a big deal. I'm grateful to get to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ."
Hundreds of cars gather for
Well over 200 cars gathered at Highway Tabernacle Church in Austintown for Easter Sunday.
www.wfmj.com