SIDNEY - The Rev. Robert Schuller started out this way. And at the United Presbyterian Church of East Guilford, on Route 8 outside of Sidney, has been doing a variation of it for at least 30 years.

What Robert Schuller and East Guilford have in common is drive-in worship. The famous pastor of California's Crystal Cathedral at one time preached to a congregation which gathered every week at a drive-in movie theater. There's no evidence they copied Schuller's idea, but the East Guilford congregation thought drive-in worship would be an interesting way to attract summer visitors while keeping everyone cool and comfortable (the sanctuary heats up during-the summer). No one remembers exactly whose idea it was, but the annual outdoor services now held at 9:00 a.m. beginning the Sunday closest to July 1 through Labor Day, have been popular ever since.

A large podium stands at one end of the spacious church parking lot. With the help of a lectern and loudspeakers, the setup allows for worshippers either to bring a lawn chair or sit in their cars. Worship bulletins are handed out to everyone and the offering is received as would happen indoors - but the ushers move from car to car rather than pew to pew. The church choir spends many hours taping hymns and anthems, and the Sunday school plants flowers around the podium.

Summer visitors especially enjoy the informality of the service, and members of the congregation enjoy the change of pace. The service also is appreciated by many who have difficulty walking - they are able to worship with a congregation without having to climb steps or stand.

A few years back, a famous bumper sticker proclaimed "Honk if you love Jesus!" The drive-in worship service at the United presbyterian Church of East Guilford gives new meaning to that old expression.