Drive-in Easter Sunday service set in Groesbeck

Area churches in Groesbeck will celebrate Easter together this year, as pastors, reverends and other congregation leaders unite to bring the community in drive-in fashion. A drive-in through Easter Sunday will be presented at Groesbeck High School for those attending in celebration of the rise of Jesus Christ after three days deceased.

First Baptist Church of Groesbeck’s Pastor Keith Collier and Lone Star Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Nathan Bedford will host the activities of the day. They’ve reached out to other area churches, with some expressing concern over gathering. Collier said that the churches are following guidelines set by Governor Greg Abbott earlier last week. Empty parking spaces between each car will be required.

“We’re going to hire police officers to assist with the parking, as well as security,” said Collier, before adding there are about 134 with the allocated space. “We’ll also be able to use some of the sides. Households, if you can come in one car, and get there early, we can be parked and ready to go at 9:30.”

The service will begin with music, followed by a scripture sermon delivered by Bedford. After more music, Collier will preach an Easter sermon. The message will be delivered via Facebook Live and Youtube. The sermon is set for 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. this Sunday. Collier asks those attending to arrive early, and use the same vehicle per household if possible.

Song and hymn lyrics will be available as a .pdf document at www.fbcgroesbeck.com. Those attending can either print the pages or follow along via smartphone. For the scripture reading, the event will be “Bring Your Own Bible.”

Collier ordered an FM transmitter for the event, which should be arriving in the days prior to the event. Those attending will be able to tune in the service on their car radios while watching. If the transmitter doesn’t arrive, however, speakers will amplify the service.

“We want to create and provide a safe place for people to worship together. We want to do this safely, but do something more than what we’re able to do online,” Collier said, stating after that the message of Jesus Christ was never more relevant. “I’m looking forward to smiling and waving at people as they come in. Seeing faces that I’ve haven’t seen recently as I’ve talked to them online or just over the phone.”

The pastors have been reaching out to their congregations and continuing to deliver the message on related Facebook pages online. Collier said that he’s still working down the list, but churches have served as networks to assist those within and outside congregations as of late.

Out of an abundance of caution, communion will not be offered at the service. The event will feature sermons on Easter, the state of the times and music to bring those attending together.

“Everyone seems to be doing fine. The shopping rush has started to slow down,” he laughed. “Our community has done a great job of coming together and responding in kindness and caring for one another, while also being cautious and following the guidelines we’ve been given.”