Historic Philadelphia Congregation Adjusts Worship Times Due To Broad Street Run

PHILADELPHIA - May 1, 2014 - PRLog -- Adopting the old adage 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em,' Historic Mother Bethel AME Church in Society Hill is changing worship service times this weekend due to the Broad Street Run. Worshippers will have two opportunities to attend church - Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at Noon. During Saturday's service, Pastor Mark Tyler will hold a special "Blessing of the Bibs" prayer for all runners and run supporters. All are welcome to attend the worship experience, but those running in the Broad Street Run are invited to bring their race bibs for a special prayer for a safe and injury free race.

"There was a time when Sundays were sacred - when the only thing you did was go to church," says Rev. Tyler.  "Now things are different - there are marathons, little league games, birthday parties, etc. We must adapt to meet the spiritual needs of people."

Mother Bethel's Sunday worship times are normally at 8am and 11am.  While the Broad Street Run route does not pass directly in front of the church, the race shuts down Broad Street - a major roadway worshippers must take or pass to get to Sunday services. During November's Philadelphia Marathon, Pastor Tyler stood on the front steps of the church that Sunday morning at 8am and filmed 20,000 runners as they went by the church's front door. Services that morning had to be cancelled.

"Our members come from all over the Philadelphia region," says Pastor Tyler. "Everytime there's a race or special event, they can't get to church on time. Many come late or go home frustrated by the inability to get past blocked roads. If you can't beat them, join them by adjusting worship times!"

For more information about Mother Bethel's special Broad Street Run weeekend worship times go to http://www.motherbethel.org. All media inquiries should be directed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler by calling (609) 247-2632 or email Leslie@TylerMadePR.com.