The Show Must Go On, Even In The Rain. Drive In-Radio Church Presses On Despite Weather In New Galilee.

Story by Mark Peterson. Photos by Taylor Murphy.

(New Galilee, PA) Despite a relentless rain, that at times had attendees wondering if guest speaker Andrew Flowers was going to preach about Noah’s Ark, the faithful in four wheels gathered again on Sunday unfazed by the weather. Yesterday marked the one month anniversary of the New Galilee Church of The Nazarene hosting outdoor church services in a drive-in movie style atmosphere, with the sermon broadcast into the awaiting car radios from the airwaves of 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA and 99.3 F.M.

Kenna Jenkins, Kevin Jenkins and Andrew Flowers lead worship singing under the shelter of a tent during Sunday’s rainy outdoor church service. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Murphy.

Pastor Andy Russel would never be one to be confused with the traditional minister, and his demeanor on the soggy afternoon proved the point again. Russell seemed excited and maybe even energized about what the day would offer and commented that it “felt like a good day to do church” even as water was dripping through a temporary canopy and onto the audio equipment and speakers. Evidently, others must have agreed with him because many cars pulled in and parked to take in the service, which featured a message delivered by guest speaker Andrew Flowers.

In addition to tuning in on the radio, attendees needed to run the wiper blades on Sunday at the New Galilee Church Of The Nazarene. Photo courtesy of Taylor Murphy.

When asked as to why he thought people were still coming out and attending the drive church service when they could just as easily have sat at home and tuned in on the radio or computer, Pastor Russell offered “There is just something about getting together . . .People like worshiping with other people”. One could conclude that fact to be true, even if “being together” means being slightly separated by a little sheet metal and glass.

For now, plans have been made to continue the outdoor drive in church service and live radio broadcast on Beaver County Radio at New Galilee Church Of The Nazarene throughout the month of May. Service times are at 1 P.M. on Sundays and the church is located at 505 Washington Street in New Galilee.