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Date: 4/7/2020
HUNTINGTON – This Lenten and Easter season is very different for churchgoers accustomed to gathering together and waving palms on Palm Sunday, sitting quietly in prayer on Good Friday, and rejoicing in the resurrection on Easter Sunday. This year, most will stay at home, watching services online or on TV, or participating in interactive Zoom worship with their local churches.
One hilltown church, the Pioneer Valley Assembly of God, has found a way to gather on Sunday while observing social distancing and staying safe.
Beginning March 22, Pastor Charles Vanasse has been hosting drive-in church services at the church on Old Chester Road, which sits across from the Westfield River and has a large driveway that can accommodate cars.
Vanasse said ushers wearing masks and gloves direct cars to park loosely in semi-circles around the entrance, where he and one or two worship team members with guitars lead the service at the front door of the church.
The first two weeks, Vanasse said a couple of dozen cars formed the congregation. Instead of “amens” and “hallelujahs” during the service, parishioners honked their horns. The ushers also brought offering boxes by the cars in which people indicated they wanted to give.
“It’s worked remarkably well. We have a portable PA system set up outside, which is plenty loud enough,” Vanasse said.
Vanasse said the church has been in full compliance with public gathering bans and social distancing laws, because people will not be getting out of their cars.
“We did contact the local police department, who are fully supportive of what we’re doing. As long as we’re legally able, we’re going to keep doing it,” Vanasse said, adding, “We want everyone to know that we respect and will work with our civic leaders for the public good.”.
Vanasse had intended to hand out palms the third week on Palm Sunday, but said he was advised not to do it. “We’re trying to encourage people to do this in a way that’s respectful and safe,” Vanasse said, adding, “I’ve had very positive feedback. Most everybody had no problem at all.”.
Vanasse said they had a neighbor who does not go to the church drop by and thank them with a donation after hearing the music from one of the services. “It’s been a great encouragement. A lot of people are already feeling anxious and isolated,” he said.
Vanasse said they are planning an Easter service at 11 a.m. unless they hear differently. The Palm Sunday service was also aired on the church’s Facebook page for those who did not want to leave their homes.
On Good Friday, Vanasse said he will hold a half hour online service at 12 p.m., with video devotionals each hour until 6 p.m.
Pioneer Valley Assembly of God is also the site of the Huntington Food Pantry, which is open for curbside delivery of food boxes on Thursdays. The hours have been modified slightly; from 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., instead of the normal hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The boxes are packed ahead of time and brought out to the parking lot for pickup.