By Gabriela Vincent — Casper, Wyoming … With one week to plan the Mother’s Day, May 9, drive-in service to honor mothers, Casper Church volunteers had many hurdles to overcome. Pastor Shayne Vincent notified the Rocky Mountain Conference and contacted the Casper Police Department about the plan. Given the go-ahead to pursue their first priority was to maintain social distancing guidelines and to abide by the regulations of Casper County.
In preparation for the service, the Praise Team led by Erin Zavodny, met at the church Wednesday evening to practice outdoors and to test the sound system.
The Casper Church family prayed all week for good weather, but Sabbath morning brought some snow in the air, and temperature was 35 degrees. It looked like the drive-in service might not take place, but leaders decided to go ahead with the plan.
“My favorite part of our drive-in service was that even [we had] poor weather, everyone had great attitudes and were truly excited to worship together, even in the falling snow. I loved when everyone honked their horns to say ‘Amen’ too! said Liz Cornett, a Praise Team member.
Tom McDonald, Mark Cornett and John Forsell, in charge of parking, made sure everyone was in their designated spots, so all could see and hear the service.
The hospitality team, Gabriela Vincent and Sydney Cornett, welcomed the women of Casper as they arrived, each given a red rose for Mother’s Day.
Mountain Road Christian Academy teacher, Traci Pike, welcomed everyone to the drive-in service and the Praise Team sang favorite hymns and praise songs.
Pastor Shayne Vincent encouraged everyone to express gratitude to their mother “for all the ways she demonstrates her love for you”. In his sermon entitled “The Love of a Mother,” he encouraged those with mothers still living to take time to appreciate them by giving them a call, visiting them, or sneaking them some chocolate and a kiss.
“Church service was amazing!” said member Starla Hughes. “I loved it! You, guys did a great, great job!”
“Today reminded me how much joy my church family brings to my life. I have missed them all so much and while I couldn’t hear them, I could see people singing along and that made me happy. I’m looking forward to worshipping together again soon in our beautiful church,” said the Mountain Road Christian Academy teacher, Traci Pike.
Jenette Thomas, a Casper Adventist Church member, said: “I really liked being together again today,” said member Jenette Thomas. I loved the message in the sermon on the importance of a mother and how they shape their child to know how to interact in the world.”
— Gabriela Vincent is church correspondent from Casper Adventist Church; photos by Sam Pankonin, Jenette Thomas, Shayne Vincent, Gabriela Vincent
