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By NATHAN HOWELL | Special to the Reporter

HELENA – Most local churches have decided to cancel in-person services due to the spread of COVID-19, however the First Baptist Church in Helena found a way to gather without risking anyone’s health by holding a drive-in service on Sunday, March 29.

“I had done an online message the week before, and I felt like most people were like us and really wanted to get out and do something,” said Jeff Champion, senior pastor. “We have this nice flat parking lot in front of our building. I talked to our worship leader and said why don’t we just do a live drive up service.”

Champion explained that he had recorded and posted to Vimeo an online sermon the week prior, but felt that the members would be better served by being in the same place in a safe way.

“The parking lot was full,” he said. “We just posted on Facebook about it and we ended up having close to 100 people there. People were sitting in their cars and some had brought lawn chairs to sit out in the parking lot. I thought it would be a better idea to be able to connect with people in a little more intimate way than online.”

The message that Champion shared during the sermon was from Mark 2 which tells the story of Jesus forgiving and healing a paralyzed man.

Champion said that FBC Helena plans to continue doing these live drive-in services as long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

More information about the church’s services can be found at Facbook.com/Firstbaptisthelena.