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Working Together: Church surprises Anderson pastor on Easter

Posted at 11:55 PM, Apr 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-12 23:55:34-04

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ANDERSON — A congregation in Anderson wanted to show their pastor how much they appreciate him lifting their families up everyday.

On the morning of Easter Sunday, the congregation at Cross Roads United Methodist Church in Anderson met in the parking lot then drove by Pastor Rick Jones' house.

About 50 members decided to surprise him after they were disappointed they wouldn't be able to have a traditional Easter service this year.

" So I thought well maybe this is just a good way to do that," Ken Flesher said. "We will stay in our cars and we will keep safe."

It's a surprise Jones did not see coming,

"There is 20 shephers calling each of our people once a week to make sure all is well, and these kind of connections to make our people know that I know they are there and we are in this together," Jones said.

In addition to the daily devotions and services he posts to YouTube, he also created a phone check in system to continue helping people.

"He has given us messages every day," Flesher said. "He is really keeping our spirits up and I thought what a good way to thank him was to take the church to him."

Jones says the coronavirus pandemic has forced the church to be innovative and start some practices they may continue doing once they are allowed to all gather again.

He says the pandemic has helped them come together.