LAist relies on reader support, not paywalls.
Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today.
This Santa Ana Church Is Offering Drive-In Service For Easter
Rev. Robert Schuller delivers sermon to parishioners who sit in cars in what was thought to be America's first and biggest drive-in church in Garden Grove in 1972. (Jeff Robbins / AP)
In a throwback to his father's drive-in evangelist sermons, Reverend Robert Anthony Schuller has been hosting weekly drive-in services in Santa Ana.
His father, the late Robert Harold Schuller, launched the evangelist TV program "Hour of Power" and also founded the Crystal Cathedral (now home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.)
Here's how it works:
Congregants are asked to stay in their cars and listen through their radios while Schuller preaches from a balcony overlooking a parking lot. He says on Easter Sunday, volunteers will wear masks and gloves and distribute information with a net.
"The only contact we will have is through some printed materials, which will be touched for the first time with gloved hands."
Although some public health officials have advised against in-person religious gatherings, even with physical distancing practices in place, some counties are allowing ongoing drive-in services, while others are making an exception for Easter weekend.
We'll have more information later today on other places to worship safely on Sunday.
GO DEEPER:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.