The show goes on

By JOSH McDONALD,

Staff Reporter and

CHANSE WATSON,

Managing Editor

SMELTERVILLE — Who knew an old drive-in movie theater could double as a setting for Easter service?

Gov. Brad Little did…

On Sunday, Silver Valley churches Worship Center and Cornerstone Church co-hosted a specialized Easter church service in Smelterville at the former Valley Center Flick Drive-In Movie Theater.

Hecla Mining Company, the current owners of the property, gave their blessing to the two churches to use the site, so long as all the proper guidelines were met.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, most churches have been forced to cancel in-house services at their buildings and many have adopted a streaming method to reach their congregations from home.

While both Worship Center and Cornerstone Church pastors Corey Berti and Cody Karst have been utilizing streaming services since Gov. Little’s stay-home order took effect on March 25, both of them thought that something special needed to be done for Easter.

“We believe we have found a way to still bring our churches together, and the body of Christ together, on this special resurrection Sunday,” Berti said in a video announcing the event.

According to the state of Idaho’s Novel Coronavirus website, a drive-in style church service is permitted just as long as social distancing requirements are followed at all times. These social distancing requirements include staying in your vehicle, limiting vehicle occupants to household members, and avoiding the use of common facilities such as concessions and restrooms. Financial transactions and reservations should also be handled online or over the phone.

Before the green light was officially given though, Berti made sure to run the idea by a friend who knows a thing or two about proper social distancing guidelines by trade.

“We wanted to make sure we did our best to follow guidelines and get suggestions,” Berti said. “Through another individual, I asked if Andrea (Garner) thought it would be OK if we held a service at the drive-in. The person responded that she personally thought it would be OK (as long as) we followed the guidelines by the CDC and the governor. She did not do this as a representative of Shoshone Medical Center, but in my opinion, as a friend who is an Infection Prevention Specialist.”

The idea of utilizing the drive-in allowed for the churches to have their sermons and music played over a site-specific radio frequency that attendees could tune into in their cars. This method allowed church goers to congregate, but from the safety of their vehicles.

“Attendees were requested to stay in their vehicles. Following all CDC guidelines for social distancing,” Berti said. “Knowing churches across the nation have done similar services and having examined CDC guidelines, we felt comfortable giving our community this opportunity for Easter.”

This gathering was the largest of its kind in Shoshone County since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and according to the Worship Center’s Facebook, more than 200 cars were parked at the drive-in Sunday morning.

Based on positive reactions and pictures of smiling church-goers posted on social media, the event appears to have been a big success and a welcome reprieve from being quarantined.

In addition to a special Easter sermon, attendees also were treated to some live music — from an appropriate distance.

While this seems to be a special event for Easter, both churches plan to continue utilizing streaming services as they follow the guidance of local and state leadership during the pandemic.

“Since the governor gave the current guidelines, we have both done livestream,” Berti said. “Future service decisions will be made on a week-by-week basis as we receive further guidance from our governmental leaders.”