RICHMOND, Va.-- Community members are finding new ways of staying connected while staying a safe distance apart during the COVID -19 crisis.
People who are connected to the faith community go to church and worship on Sundays, but that is no longer possible because of the global health pandemic.
Accordingly, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and Joey's Hot Dogs created a drive-thru prayer service for the faithful.
"We're just getting ready for Holy Week, " Rev. Gary Jones with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church said. "Our parishioners know to drive up and receive palms through their windows. Due to members not being able to attend church on Palm Sunday, they decided to help those prepare in advance."
Joey Mirabile of Joey's Hot Dogs, an Innsbrook restaurant open for curbside and take out orders, was proud to partner for the service.
"There's not a whole of people out right now, but for the ones that are out it's great for them to be able to come by and get a prayer," Mirabile said.
Jones and Mirabile said they see how important it is for the community during this time, but to really focus on the things they can.
"Maybe its a time to recenter ourselves and what matters most, so I think a lot of people are taking advantage of this as a time of extra prayer and getting back to... their core principles and values. Maybe we'll come out of this even better than we were before," Jones said.
By sharing one prayer and one palm, both men believe the community will come out of this stronger.
"We're hoping to provide some comfort at this time and to let them know everything is going to be alright," Mirabile said. "We're all going to be alright and we're all in this together." said Mirabile.
Joey's Hot Dogs is open weekdays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and will have a prayer tent for the drive-thru prayer seven days a week.
If you would like to volunteer, call 804-651-4108. Additionally, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church offers virtual services.Click here for more information.