Pastor Gary Bracewell and his wife Linda like to have fun, and the Easter photo contest has been a tradition at their CLF Church in Newberry for years.

So instead of giving-in to the restrictions of COVID-19, they went back in time and dressed up in their Sunday best to pose for a family Easter photo, and now they are challenging the rest of their church family to submit two types of family photos.

It’s a tradition that usually would happen at the church on Easter Sunday in a photo booth, but with the mandated social distancing order, churches in Alachua County and beyond are finding creative ways to move forward without losing all of their traditions.

“The idea was we typically do some special things at church on Easter including a photo booth,” Pastor Gary said. “We’re trying to engage families and have fun.

So here is the challenge, Pastor Gary said about the photo contest that has two first place prizes of $250. “One photo is sort of a glamorous fancy Easter clothes photo and the other is whimsical.

“The money is to help somebody in need or they can pass it on,” Pastor Gary said about the prizes.

Members can submit their photos via emailclfnewberry@gmail.com or text 3524321075 or message them through the CLF Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/clfnewberry/ 

“We may do a public poll and the winners will be shared online,” Pastor Gary said.