If you would have told me when I was ordained over twenty-three years ago, that I would be preaching weekly outdoors to folks sitting in cars, I would have laughed. It would have seemed too bizarre.
Now, I chuckle to myself as I’m getting ready to begin the 8:00 a.m. Parking Lot worship. Looking out at those who have gathered, I feel like I’m in a CARS movie. I’m waiting for Mater and Lighting McQueen to appear….
Seriously, I am glad that our rain or shine Parking Lot worship is bringing us together in a creative and safe way during this pandemic. Our attendance is growing each week and last week we had over thirty people!
Through the use of an FM transmitter (87.9 FM), we can come together for a half hour to praise God and worship. If you haven’t tried it out yet, maybe this week offers you an opportunity.
In addition to the weekly option on Sunday morning, we have offered additional Parking Lot worships on Wednesday evenings. Our next one will be next week on October 7 at 6:30 p.m. Come a few minutes earlier so you get a good space. Each person will receive a small gift as a remembrance that God travels with us. We will have music and we’ll honk our horns in praise. It is a lot of fun and great to be together. Again, you should check it out.
At our first Wednesday evening Parking Lot Worship, we began the practice of honking horns as part of the liturgy. For example, whenever we would say Amen, we would HONK! HONK!! HONK!!! It has become a part of the way we worship in our vehicles. I guarantee that on October 7, we will give everyone’s horn a good workout.
Of course, we had to modify the practice for Sunday morning. Wanting to be a good neighbor, we DON’T HONK at 8:00 a.m. Instead, we blink our lights in the places where we would otherwise make a loud obnoxious noise.
Blink your lights…. it is what you do on the highway to politely let someone in front of you. It is also a way of thanking someone who extended the same courtesy to you. The world can use more people who blink their lights on the highway.
As a Christian, we are called to share in the love of God. Following Jesus, God invites us to both give and receive kindness. Whether it is a kind gesture (like blinking your lights) or a thoughtful word, each day is full of opportunities to be Christ to another. May God strengthen each to make the best use of these chances to share in the joy and blessing of God’s Kingdom.
I look forward to seeing you soon in your vehicle or through our online worships. I remain grateful for the way that the Spirit is allowing us to continue to be the church in a way that is safe for the most vulnerable in our midst. Don’t forget - blink your lights if you love Jesus!