Ohio church to give away $1,000 at Easter service

[March 23, 2011]  HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) -- An Ohio church that gave away $1,000 to fill more pews last Easter Sunday says it will do it again this year.

Lindenwald Baptist Church in Hamilton draws names to award $500 each to a member of the congregation and a guest. Pastor Randy Moore says the southwest Ohio church had hoped for 1,000 worshippers last year, when it made the offer for the first time. It packed in 1,140 -- more than double the usual Sunday attendance of around 500. Moore says a crew had to direct traffic in the parking lot. Easter falls on April 24 this year. The pastor says given the economy, the church will continue the cash giveaway to provide a financial as well as a spiritual blessing on the holiday. ___ Information from: The JournalNews of Hamilton, http://www.journal-news.com/ [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.