Bengaluru: In an extraordinary initiative by the Bethel AG Church in Hebbal, a “drive-in service” will be held tomorrow in order to address the concerns of social distancing and safety. The church along with many others were already providing online streaming services to more than 10,000 devotees. Under this initiative, they’ll go for a drive-in attendance despite places of worship being allowed to open.

The initiative has been promoted extensively as WoW( Worship on wheels) in Hebbal and other localities of Bangalore. The first event will take place at the three-acre property adjacent to the church which will ensure that there’s ample space for the devotees to follow social distancing norms appropriately.

Danny Kuruvilla, a pastor at the Bethel AG Church, speaking to Newsmobile said ” This initiative is the safest way we could figure out for the devotees to gather & worship.” He further mentioned that all the measurements taken will be according to the guidelines laid out by the government.

ALSO READ:

Uttarakhand: Corbett National Park to reopen from Sunday

The Wow service is the first of its kind in the country and ample arrangements have been made by the church ensuring that the entire service is contactless. No seating facility is going to be provided other than the churchgoers vehicles. Restrooms, eateries and resource centres will not be accessible. Several LED screens and sound systems will be installed to cater to the gathering in a way that the authenticity and the complete feel of Sunday church is restored.

A total of 6 services have been planned by the church for Sunday, 2 each for those attending on bikes(7am & 5pm) and cars( 11am & 1pm) and 2 for devotees with no personal vehicles. The service will be live streamed on the church’s website and their social media handles at 11am.

Drive-in worship has been a popular concept in the United States, South Korea and parts of Western Europe where worshippers listen to the preachers from the safety of their cars.