Area churches are looking for people to come to a ministry where they can “Come as you are, sit in your car.”

That’s the motto of an outdoor music ministry returning to Mona, Iowa, a few miles south of Lyle, at 6:30 p.m. today.

Harmony Junction Barbershop Chorus will kick off Honking for Jesus, a music ministry where the audience watches from cars and honks instead of clapping, at 6:30 p.m. on the east lawn and parking lot of the Mona Lutheran Church.

The outdoor musical ministry was started in the summer of 1972 by the Rev. Einar Unseth, who was the pastor at Mona and Six Mile Grove Lutheran Churches.

Musicians perform in an old chicken coop that has been refurbished and set up on a platform. People drive up in their cars, park and listen to a variety of musical offerings.

The outdoor services draw people from a wide area in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, and people have come from as away as California, Mexico and Nebraska, according to a news release.

To help celebrate 40 years, there will hot dogs, beans, chips and a drink served at 6:30 p.m. Pens and car magnets twill be handed out as a thank you. Donations will be accepted.

Honking for Jesus performers

Today: Harmony Junction Barbershop, Albert Lea
July 17: The Good Time Band, Albert Lea and Glenville
July 24: Saratoga Boy, Saratoga
July 31: Meyer Family & Friends, Mona, Iowa
Aug. 7: Gary Froiland, Stewartville,
Aug. 14: Sent, Albert Lea and Glenville
Aug. 21: Foundation Quartet (Retiring), Apple Valley
Aug. 28: Hayward/Trondhjem Group, Hayward