Area pastor using creative way to conduct service during crisis

by Tom Chillemi – 

Many church services have been canceled as a precaution necessitated by the coronavirus.

However, Rev. Tim Earnhardt, pastor of Old Church United Methodist Church in King and Queen County, is using a novel approach to keep his church viable.

At 11 a.m. this Sunday, March 29, everyone is welcome to worship in their cars during a drive-in church service at the church on State Route 14 near Shanghai. Its official street address is 25614 The Trail in Mattaponi.    

Rev. Earnhardt explained that a small FM transmitter will beam his sermon and message to radios in cars and trucks. He said he will preach from outside of the church and participants will be able to maintain “social distancing” by staying in their vehicles with the windows rolled up. Participants will be able to see their friends and be part of the service.

“Not everybody has internet or computers,” said Rev. Earnhardt, adding that…