What do you get when you put together John Calvin and John Deere? A “Drive Your Tractor to Church” Sunday service, of course. East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., held this special event as a way to celebrate Father’s Day.
“It was a fun time,” said member Wayne Becksvoort, who drove his 1941 Farmall on the leisurely four-mile, 26-minute ride to church. He and his wife, Jan, have used the tractor for their hobby garden for over 40 years.
The first-time event was a nod to the agricultural roots of the community said Wayne Bakker, worship and media director at East Saugatuck. With over 25 tractors driven by members and visitors alike, “it was a good turnout,” he said. Some hauled family members behind them on wagons and freshly cleaned manure spreaders.
The theme also carried into the worship service. Photos of members with their farm vehicles were displayed in an opening video, and head pastor Gary Luurtsema delivered a sermon entitled “How Christians Are Like Tractors” based on 1 Corinthians 3:7.
After the service, everyone enjoyed a cookout and admired all the tractors, from the smaller antiques to the enormous green machines that lined the back of the parking lot.
“Overall it was a great day of fellowship and a great way to tie in the men on Father’s Day,” said Bakker.
About the Author
Susan Vandenberg is a freelance writer.
