IF you need prayer, put your hazard lights on, the pastor invited motorists.
Followed by: I never thought I would say that . . . and people hooting their car horns to show appreciation.
The parking lots were brimming with vehicles filled with worshippers at various venues in Jeffreys Bay this Sunday.
This is the dynamic and creative way in which churches in the area are adapting to the lockdown regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a mere 50 people may attend services inside church buildings.
Residents are embracing the different approaches as is evident from the myriads of people attending the unconventional drive-in services.
DA councillor at Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Marthina van Niekerk, posted photos on social media of Wavepoint Church “getting ready for their drive-in church service on the beachfront”, hash-tagged “LookAtThatView”.
She also commented on the Dutch Reformed Church drive-in service in Aston Bay. Van Nie-kerk writes, “The new normal. #DriveInChurch Service of NG Kerk Jeffreys Bay in Aston Bay.”
Main beach
Pastor Cjay Jansen and his team of Wave Point Church were geared up to brace the strong breeze with a stellar setup at the main beach in Jeffreys Bay.
Sound, screens, platform and the permitted fifty seats for those without vehicles, as well as the preventative health and safety measures, set the stage for an exceptional worship opportunity.
Vehicles, initially curbed to a fixed number, filed in, but a councillor pitched up to remove the barriers, allowing more cars in.
One of the ushers at the event quipped that they will have a “row-in” church next week – referring to the chokka boats in the ocean visible from the site.
For more information, contact Jansen at 079 051 0159.
Aston Bay
The elegant Rev Janida Van der Westhuizen of the Dutch Reformed Church in Jeffreys Bay delivered the sermon at the church’s first drive-in service outside Tapas Restaurant at the beach parking area in Aston Bay.
The invitation to the event echoed the challenges presented by the lockdown. “We are excited to invite you to learn with us – we have to learn what will work or not and how it will work. Join us as a family to be part of this creative event in the comfort and safety of your vehicle.”
Car radios were tuned to a specific frequency to receive the sermon.
Van der Westhuizen says, “I can truly say that it went beyond a privilege to minister at the service – it was a precious experience, very special. God is so good to us.”
“I must add that it was a team effort. This wonderful opportunity was made possible by people with open hearts who sponsored us and assisted us in everything.”
Social media buzzed with comments over the service: “It was without doubt very successful with so many vehicles and attendees.” Both Elma van der Sandt and Sheena McAleer say, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Communion
Utilising the Global Leadership Academy facilities, Pastor Chris Gerber of Father’s House Church again served Holy Communion to parishioners and visitors at their drive-through event.
He says, “Sunday was a huge success. Live worship, prayer for those in need and the communion all added to the experience. Many people wanted to leave their vehicles, soaking up the sun, listening to the worship music and receiving personal prayer.”
Gerber relates how – keeping their social distance – people wanted a conversation and a laugh, while sipping their cappuccinos.
“It was beautiful. We are thankful to the Lord. People need fellowship and human interaction away from screens, to see another person smile and experience nearness – they need to know that we are together in all of this.”
Contact Gerber at 084 511 5117 for information.
