The "A New Twist To Get You To Attend Church!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Saturday and I'm on my way to the grocery store with my wife.  As we headed north on the Fruitville Pike we can upon a small church that sits on the right of the two-lane road that had a large sign along the side of the road that read:  PARKING LOT COMMUNION, SUNDAY 1 PM, FM 89.9, BRING YOUR OWN BREAD & JUICE!  Certainly drew my attention as we drove past the church.  As we talked about the sign we both agreed that it certainly was unique.  Many churches in Lancaster County, as well as many over the entire United States, have changed their schedules to include online or TV/Radio services so as to avoid any chance of spreading the COVID-19 throughout the community.  But...this was certainly a new idea!  The church that we are members of, St. James Episcopal in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, publishes an online newsletter during the middle of the week that is filled with many stories and events that we can participate in during the week as well as on Sunday.  

The newsletter is titled HEADLINES & Happenings and always begins with a greeting from Father David Peck.  His face greets you as soon as you open your emails.  This past week there was also an introduction of Professor Randall C. Zachman who will preach at this weekend's services online.  

Father David  Peck

Another article tells of the Summer Forum Series that will continue with Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter.  That series can be viewed on Sundays at 9:30 AM via Zoom.  The Men's Spirituality Group meets on Saturday from 8-10 AM via Zoom.  This week's Woman's Gathering was on Tuesday via Zoom and talked about being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life.  The "Urban Well", a source of contemplative practices, which is a year-long program in Personal Deepening, is also online via Zoom.  There is also a Children, Youth & Families program called "Godly Play Camp" which was also digital this summer.  

A special program "In the Community" tells of St. James being selected for Creation Care Clean Water Walking Tour which tells of St. James being selected to take part as one of the seven inspiring storm-water projects for a walking tour on congregational grounds in historic downtown Lancaster.  It is a self-guided tour and culminates in a Zoom discussion.  Seems that many churches have gone the way of digital services via Zoom to keep their parishioners active during the pandemic.  But, the sign along the road that we saw yesterday is one of the most creative and perhaps entertaining that I have witnessed so far.  I only wonder what type of "Juice" those that attend will bring to church with them!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.