Blessings from a distance as church conducts drive-through communion

Online worshipping has become somewhat the norm of late, but popular Port Elizabeth pastor George Georgiou took things to a whole new level when he introduced drive-through communion for his parishioners at the weekend.   

The novel idea, already made popular in the US, was such a success that it will now become a weekly event at Father’s House Church during level 3 of the lockdown.

“It was important from a perspective of staying connected,” he said.

“It gave us an idea of who is experiencing hard times like retrenchment or illnesses, and at the same time provided us with an opportunity to celebrate the good news such as engagements or pregnancies.”

The first drive-through communion was held at the Father’s House Church premises in North End last Sunday.

It was open for two hours — to accommodate those travelling from afar — after the regular online church service.

Georgiou said about 80 vehicles — and even some motorbikes — stopped by to receive their blessings.

“The communion comes pre-packaged so it was relatively easy, and safe, to pull it off.”

The praise and worship team sang worship songs while volunteers provided a hot coffee for each person who passed through.

“There are just too many members for us to say only 50 can attend a church service,” he said.

The drive-through communion comes on the back of another successful drive-through event for children.

“The children each receive an activity pack and sing worship songs.”

The “kid’s church” saw about 40 vehicles pass through.

Georgiou said he communion would take place at the Jeffreys Bay Global Leadership Academy, as well as at Father’s House in Port Elizabeth between 11am and 1pm on Sunday.

The following week they would travel to Uitenhage to serve their congregants there.

“There are many disadvantages to being in isolation and there is a need for support, even when it comes to the positive things.

“Life doesn’t come to a standstill just because you are in lockdown, but it has taught us the true value of connecting with one another.

“In the past you could walk up to your pastor after a church service to discuss what is on your mind but that is obviously not possible now,” he said.

“Even though there is [an online portal] to connect through, it just isn’t the same as that physical presence.”

Georgiou’s plans do not stop there.

Next up, he said, would be a church service modelled on an old-fashioned drive-in.