By Ardis Stenbakken — Loveland, Colorado … The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed pastors to be creative in finding ways for their congregations to have any group activities. The Campion Church pastors achieved that with a Mother’s Day vespers, May 9.
My husband and I arrived a bit late but were met at the entrance to the large parking lot by Dawn Fagan and the Gann family who gave each person in the car a home-baked cinnamon roll and a copy of the program. We drove to the far end of the four rows of cars, all facing the church like at a drive-in theater. Although we could see a couple musicians and the pastors standing on what is to become the entrance to the new wing of the church, I wondered how we were going to be able to hear. No problem. The program told us to tune to a particular radio station, and we had perfect sound.
We noticed that the family behind us in a minivan were having a picnic in the back of their vehicle. As we had driven in, we had seen people sitting on their vehicle’s tail gates and even others on top of their car or truck. Everyone was keeping their distance, but obviously there to enjoy vespers. It was an opportunity to be together even while separated.
There was music led by Pastor Soriano, a tribute to mothers by Pastor Morss, and a homily by Pastor Goetz. Everyone was invited to pick up a yard sign that they could put in their own yard or put in front of a grocery store, hospital, or wherever they would like to thank first responders and essential helpers. After the last song, as we drove away, I was handed a rose. What a lovely, creative way to celebrate the Sabbath and Mother’s Day!
—Ardis Stenbakken; photos supplied
