Howard Courtney, Lead Pastor at Innisfil Community Church, has struggled to keep his congregation connected during the pandemic, and to serve the community during this time of greatest need, through the Innisfil Food Bank.
So it’s no wonder that, when Pastor Courtney recently celebrated a milestone birthday, his congregation wanted to show their support and respect.
It didn’t take long to organize a drive-by birthday party, to celebrate the pastor’s 70th birthday. Meeting in the parking lot of Nantyr Shores Secondary School, over 50 vehicles gathered on Sunday, and prepared to stage a Birthday Parade.
Family members got into the spirit of the occasion, renting the signage that decorated the Courtneys’ front yard, proclaiming, ‘Honk! Howard is 70.”
The pastor, dressed up as “Methuselah" with a long flowing beard, stood in his front yard to wave at passing motorists, who honked and waved – but he wasn't expecting the lengthy drive-by procession.
Well-wishers honked, waved, and handed off hand-made cards, balloons, gifts and even donations to the Innisfil Food Bank, all while social distancing - and they laughed at the pastor’s effort to “show his age.”
The parade included not only church-goers and long-time friends, but local politicians, there to show support for a community builder. Mayor Lynn Dollin, Councillors Donna Orsatti and Ken Fowler, MPP Andrea Khanjin and MP John Brassard were among the “guests” at the COVID-style birthday celebration.
“We have a great community,” said the pastor, exchanging greetings (from a distance) with well-wishers.
Just a note: Innisfil Community Church had just started to welcome members back for in-person services when the most recent COVID closure hit. It was a blow, but Pastor Courtney has adapted – and is now inviting the community to the first ‘Drive-In” church service next Sunday, taking place in the south parking lot of the church at 1571 Innisfil Beach Road.