Minister launches drive-in church

MARIETTA, Ga., June 9 (UPI) -- A Georgia church had its first drive-in service Sunday attracting worshipers who remained in their cars while the minister preached.

The Rev. Norman Markle of New Hope Methodist Church in Marietta, Ga., says he has been pondering the idea of a drive-in church for a couple of years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday.

Markle sees drive-in spirituality as the logical next step for people who eat in their cars and conduct business by cell phone.

To launch his new service, Markle purchased a low-powered AM transmitter and posted signs along Cobb Parkway urging people to "Worship in Your Car Just as You Are."

"I thought we could get some new people to come out and see what the word of God is on Sunday," Markle told the newspaper.

About a dozen cars showed up for the first service on Sunday but Markle says he is optimistic the number will increase, the Journal-Constitution reported.