Concord Church To Host Sunday Services — Drive-In Style: Watch

CONCORD, NH — One of the most social activities in a spiritual person's life is attending a church service, in person, but nearly all of them, across the country, have been stopped due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

The virus hasn't kept some churches from attempting to replicate the process remotely with livestreams on social media sites or cable access. And, as everyone who is spiritual knows, worshipping can take place anywhere, at any time.

However, remote services are just not the same as being able to attend a service in person, with family and friends, listen to the voices of a choir singing, or having a feeling of fulfillment and joy by being in a holy hall with others.

But can that same spirit be absorbed inside of a car?

That's what one Concord pastor, Peter Chamberland, of Granite State Baptist Church on Sheep Davis Road, will attempt to find out this week. At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the church will hold a prayer meeting and Bible study, from its parking lot, with the flock inside of their vehicles, sealed off from everyone else but listening on their radios not unlike the drive-in days of yore. On Sunday, the full service will be held at 10 a.m.

As great as the livestreams are, Chamberland said, as a pastor, being able to look out at his parishioners while preaching the gospel was a unique experience.

"Nothing comes, even close, to being able to meet in person," he said.

At the same time, with the nation in lockdown or stay-at-home orders, the safety of Granite Staters, including his church's folk, is of utmost importance. Their windows will be up, he said; and they will need to stay in their cars. But this way, they will be able to see their friends and other members of the church while listening to his sermon.

"People have been locked up — experiencing the desire of social distancing (during the pandemic)," he said. This way they'll "just know that each other is still around … and be able to draw emotional support and that spiritual support that we can gather from each other."

Chamberland regularly hears from congregates about the toll COVID-19 is taking on their lives while they adhere to the stay-at-home orders, trying to stem the spread of the virus. Church, he said, for many of them, may be the only time they get out of their homes, even when there was no pandemic. Chamberland does hold Zoom meetings with worshippers, enjoying coffee or tea, and attempts to keep in touch with them during this difficult situation. Being able to keep up with the technology and communication though has been a challenge.

"They are eager to get out and see each other, still, with the safety involved," Chamberland said. "It's taking a toll on people. We are created to be social beings; to be able to gather emotional support, spiritual support, physical support, from each other. When it is locked down, and someone isn't getting out of their house, whether they are working from home or are an essential worker, just that added stress ... being able to fellowship with other people makes a big difference."

At the same time, freedom to worship is a fundamental right and, while not grocery shopping or a accessing a needed prescription drug, services are an essential service and Chamberland sees that as his role. Church workers are essential, he said.

"I do believe churches are essential," Chamberland said. "It's a foundation of our nation … we have a constitutional right, to gather together, and I'm thankful that we live in America."

At the same time, Chamberland's top concern is the safety of the church members not his ability to preach. Knowing that there are different age groups in his parish, some who may be susceptible to the infection, the remote sermons will continue, too, for those who want to stay at home or can't come to the parking lot service.

"There is that balance, to be able make sure they are safe, in the environment," he said. "But that desire to be able to worship, is necessary, and we are going to fulfil that, one way or another. God's given us that privilege."

When asked what his favorite Psalms were, Chamberland said Psalm 23 — the Lord is my shepherd. Although, he pondered, he did use Psalm 100 (worship with joyful songs) in a recent sermon as well as Psalm 91 (He is my fortress). But 23 — "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me," depending on what version of the Bible you chose — seems to fit in with the times.

"I'm so thankful for the shelter that the Lord Jesus Christ gives to us," he said, "especially during this time."

To find out more, visit the Granite State Baptist Church website here.

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