By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer

Three Crestline churches – The Savior’s Realm, First Baptist Church and Lake Gregory (MTX) Community Church – celebrated Mother’s Day together with a live drive–in, but socially distancing church service in Lake Gregory’s South Shore parking lot.

Each attendee was told to stay inside their vehicle, as they listened to the MTX praise group play live music and while each pastor gave inspiring messages about motherhood, from the scriptures.

The stage was set up facing south, so the view for those attending was very inspiring, with the lake behind the stage. The music and sound were good, not only in person but also on Facebook Live, which carried the service on the various church’s FB pages, where it still can be accessed.

It is estimated about 125 attended the service in person and hundreds more watched it on Facebook. Each of the 50 cars were parked at least six feet apart. A few others stood along the railing and witnessed the services from the hiking trail along San Moritz Drive.

Afterwards, Pastor Bill Mellinger said, “It was a beautiful day, a perfect day for this service honoring mothers. It is so wonderful to have our Crestline churches working together.” Savior’s Realm’s Joseph J. Cadicamo was happy that, as parishioners exited, each female was handed a beautiful red rose for Mother’s Day.

“I find it very inspiring to be out here looking at our beautiful lake, hearing such inspirational and spiritual words from our community pastors coordinating together, encouraging us to become better people,” said George from Crestline. “This was a wonderful idea. I hope they’re able to do it on all the special Sundays throughout the year.”