In an effort to provide a way for congregation members and visitors to experience a worship service in a way that maintained safe boundaries for COVID-19 exposure, last week Family Church joined hundreds of churches across the nation in offering a drive in service.

An FM transmitter broadcasts a signal from the steeple of the historic 1853 Fredonia Baptist Church Building at 19 Church St., and members and attendees parked around Barker Common to tune in as senior pastor Michael Lokietek preached from the iconic front steps of the recently remodeled building.

The range on the transmitter covers a good portion of the downtown Fredonia area, where listeners can likely tune in to the station — 87.9 — from their homes on any FM radio.

While many churches are working to continue ways to provide hope and stability during COVID-19, this is just one route which has proven to be a monumental success.

This Sunday, April 12, is of course the pinnacle holiday for Christians — the celebration of Easter. And Family Church has an exciting — and safe — day planned.

Attendees — whether they already attend Family Church or not — have been invited to decorate their vehicles in Easter decorations and drive down to Barker Common on Sunday morning. After the service, church leaders will photograph the vehicles and post them to their social media for voting. First, second and third place winners will receive prize packs with gift certificates to local businesses, who need our support now more than ever.

For more information on the cruise in service or the car decorating contest, visit www.fcfredonia.org, or check out the church’s Facebook page.