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Holy Trinity holds drive-in services

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Pastor Clint Cottrell speaks during the Sunday service at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, at 19251 N. Tamiami Trail, in the parking lot.
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Listen to 87.9 FM to hear the Sunday service at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, at 19251 N. Tamiami Trail, in the parking lot.

Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church has found an outside-the-box idea to bring people back to the church — if its flock can’t come into the church, the church will bring the service to its flock.

As the pandemic continues, the church has started to provide a “drive-in” service for its parishioners and the local community.

Pastor Clint Cottrell said they can’t meet in person because of the virus, since the majority of the congregation is in the 65-plus demographic, most susceptible to the disease.

“We looked at the options we had. We were doing the service online, but that isn’t the same,” Cottrell said. “A colleague of mine mentioned you can get an FM transmitter legally and have a drive-in service.”

The service can be heard on 87.9 FM, though the range goes only to the end of the parking lot, giving the service the feel of a drive-in movie.

“It worked. It actually sounds really good. And it only works in the parking lot. If you go 50 feet off the property, you won’t hear a thing,” Cottrell said. “People can come and stay in their cars, roll up the windows and turn on the air conditioner.”

The church typically did a contemporary service at 8:30 a.m. and a traditional service at 10:30. Now, they do a single 9:30 a.m. service (rain or shine) that is trimmed down to 40 to 45 minutes, to reduce the chance of someone needing to use a rest room.

The service has gained popularity. After bringing in 50 people for the first service a few weeks ago, about 75 came to the one last week.

Dress was casual. Even Cottrell wore a Florida shirt as the abbreviated band performed during the service. Whenever the pastor said something the congregation liked, they flashed their headlights, or honked if they “felt Pentecostal” as Cottrell said.

Holy Trinity does not hold communion, though people are welcome to bring their own bread and wine (preferably grape juice). To tithe, collectors come around in fishing nets to keep up with social distancing.

Cottrell said he expects to continue to do drive-in services throughout the month of July. The next indoor service is tentatively set for Aug. 9, virus permitting.

The church still has an online presence, doing Bible Study over Zoom twice a week. Wednesday morning at 9:30 and Sundays at 11 a.m.

Beverly Smith said she has noticed people who don’t belong to the church coming to experience the service for themselves.

“People see the sign and come in. I love it. You don’t have to get dressed up. The only thing is that you can’t have a choir,” Smith said. “You can’t see people as much. You get your service and it gets you outside.”

Lee Bobey said he also enjoys the outdoor service and does not want to miss it.

“We have everything. We’re not missing anything and it gives me the chance to get out. I’m 89 years old and I’m supposed to stay inside,” Bobey said, who has been a member of the church for a year. “It feels like a drive-in movie and I like those, too.”

Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church is at 19251 N. Tamiami Trail.