Congestion From Broad Street Run Forces Local Churches To Alter Services
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Expected congestion thanks to tomorrow's Broad Street Broad Street Run is causing a number of Churches near the race route to alter their service schedules this Sunday.
The race route runs from Broad and Somerville down to the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, with a number of churches either on or near the route, some are changing their service schedules to accommodate the run.
"We've adopted the attitude, if you can't beat 'em join 'em," says Rev. Mark Tyler, pastor of the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church near 6th and Lombard. Although they are blocks away from Broad Street he says street closures and traffic leads to low turnout on run Sunday, so they decided to make some adjustments for the first time this year.
"We've decided to move our early morning [Sunday] worship service to Saturday night at 5 p.m.," says Tyler, "we're telling runners to bring their race bibs to the church on Saturday and we'll pray for their safety during the run."
Mother Bethel's 11 a.m. Sunday service has been pushed it back to 12 noon.
A number of churches have also followed suit, including Liberti Church near 17th and Broad Street, which moved its Sunday morning service to 4 p.m. But Arch Street United Methodist, near Broad and Arch Street, is one of the many churches that did not change a thing.
Instead, they simply reminded parishioners to be mindful of Broad Street Run traffic.
"There was an announcement last week in the Bulletin," says Kathy.
You're best bet is to check your church schedule.
