Two Suffolk churches are coming together to host an outdoor worship - in their first ever ‘drive-in’ service.
St Peter and St Paul Church in Lavenham and St Mary’s Preston will gather on Lavenham Cricket Ground to provide their congregations with an opportunity to reach out to each other after all the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Featuring music, performance poetry from Kiran Lotay, a picnic and activities for children - it promises to be a day of faith, fun and friendship.
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Organiser Graham Naylor, licensed lay worker at the churches, said: “The drive-in church service has only been made possible thanks to John Hessenthaler, from OEP Live!, who is promoting a weekend of drive-in picnic concerts in Lavenham the same weekend.
“He offered the staging and infrastructure to the church to host the service and we jumped at the chance – especially because at that point, churches were still closed.
“However, lockdown was then partially eased, and we were allowed to reopen but having a service like this means we can reach lots of different members of our community.
“We are keen to acknowledge the many good things and examples of wonderful community spirit shown during this tough time, while also taking a moment to reflect on the difficulties we have all faced and continue to experience.
“It’s hoped the event will be a safe place for people to take some time out.
“This is an opportunity for us to reach new audiences.
“We want to engage with people who may have been looking to the church to provide hope and solace throughout lockdown.”
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The drive-in service will be held on Sunday August 16, gates open at 11.30am with an informal service between 1pm and 2pm.
If you’d like to attend, email the church here
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