Southfield church gives drive-thru prayer service for Good Friday

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - It's the Friday before Easter and Christians all over metro Detroit are heading to church to remember the anniversary of Jesus being crucified on the cross.  

"Jesus died on the cross for us that's why we're here," said Kimberly Blake.

Blake and her family attended service at St. David's Episcopal Church in Southfield. But leaders at the church want to increase their reach to go far beyond those who enter their doors.

They decided for the first time on Good Friday to set up a drive-thru so people near and far could receive prayer without attending one of their services.

"We started offering about five years ago, drive-thru ashes for Ash Wednesday," said The Very Rev. Chris Yaw. "And in praying with people, we found that there is really a joy and an interest in providing a touchstone for people to take time in their busy day, reset and to connect with God."

Milton Mayfield heard about the Good Friday drive-thru at St. David's on FOX 2. So he and his wife drove from Detroit to take part.

"You may not always attend church, but you want to feel like you are connected directly," Mayfield said. 

One of the church members praying for people is FOX 2's Lori Pinson.

"The main thing that I tell them is that you're not alone," Pinson said. "God loves you, he works through you, there are no mistakes, there is a reason you were brought here today. Whatever that reason is, I think it is that God is with you at all times."

As part of the service whether you go through the drive-thru or go inside, you'll receive a cross.

"These crosses are original Olive wood from Jerusalem, it is something for them to focus on and take with them," Pinson said. "As well as a Good Friday Prayer."

For Mayfield, the cross Is a symbol of hope that he lives by, not only on Good Friday - but every day of the week.

"It's a symbol of faith and hope," he said. "Jesus died on cross for all men's sins. It represents hope."