Circleville United Methodist Church member Gretchen Fischer shook her head as she adjusted her protective mask as she spoke with a fellow parishioner outside of the North Huntingdon church Saturday.

“Ugh. Whenever I talk, my glasses keep fogging up wearing this mask,” Fischer said.

Welcome to church life during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

A day after Gov. Tom Wolf and state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine asked all residents to wear a mask if they must leave their homes to protect citizens from the virus, both Fisher and friend Julie Hoke were getting used to the protective gear as they participated in the church’s unique “Drive-thru offering of grateful giving.”

On its Facebook page, the church this week invited its members who were out and about between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday to swing through the church parking lot, where a volunteer outfitted in a protective mask would accept any donation.

Although Palm Sunday services at the church were cancelled, Hoke, who was holding the collection box as a few members sporadically drove through, said a few congregants, herself included, had to be there Saturday to assist church Pastor Gloria June with preparing and taping the sermon that will be broadcast Sunday via social media.

“We’re going to be here anyway and we thought, ‘Why don’t we try this,’” Hoke said.

Hoke pointed out that churches throughout the U.S., like many closed businesses, need to find ways to generate lost income. With multiple services being cancelled, especially during Holy Week including Palm Sunday and Easter services next Sunday, churches are going to be hurting financially.

“This is totally voluntary. But the church has bills to pay, too,” she noted.

Hoke pointed to the church’s notice on social media about the drive-thru event.

“In light of recent events, it’s difficult to be optimistic or show our gratitude, but we have much to be grateful for. Our church needs to continue its ministry even though we can’t be together to worship during these hard times,” the notice said.

”Please take the opportunity to consider coming to our drive-thru offering this Saturday morning and present your offering, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for all He has done,” the message said.

Fischer was among those who participated in the event; she also had a few candy fundraising packages to deliver to parishioners.

“We do have services and messages on social media,” Fischer said. “But my husband and I, and our children, really miss the personal experience of worshiping and praying in person as a group … and the interaction.”

Fischer said she felt that personal bond with congregants as she was out delivering fundraising candy to church members this week.

She said that she noticed people, particularly some seniors, liked the “in-person” personal discussion rather than getting everything via television or computer as a result of the stay-in order.

“Oh, and I have to point out that everyone, especially me, were very aware of keeping our social distances during the deliveries,” Fisher said. “I stayed in my car during one delivery and the woman came out — we kept our distance — but we must have talked for at least 20 minutes. And you could tell she really enjoyed having someone to speak with.”

Hoke said the brief interaction during the drive-thru offering should give congregants some personal camaraderie during the start of Holy Week.

She anticipates the church continuing the drive-thru offering the same time next Saturday, April 11.

“We’ll be delivering our fundraiser pies then too,” Fischer added.

The church service should be posted on the church’s Facebook page at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Hoke said. The church is located at 11600 Parkway Drive.

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