CAMBRIDGE – Motorists on U.S. 50 east of Cambridge on Sunday morning might have spotted a congregation outside Immanuel United Church of Christ around 11 a.m. The Rev. Dale Krotee was leading his flock in a Blessing of the Seeds to welcome the arrival of spring and the planting season. “It’s such a great symbol of renewal, rebirth, resurrection and new beginnings,” he said after the service as the congregation enjoyed snacks and fellowship. “There’s a good deal of enthusiasm for this.” He noted that the church’s membership includes many farmers, mentioning a few of the area’s well known German names: Malkus, Luthy and Schnoor among them. The special prayer service’s inspiration came from the harvest weekend celebrated in Snow Hill every fall. With thanks for that season established, worshipers at Immanuel thought a similar blessing for the spring planting would be in order. The Rev. Krotee said Sunday the idea was appropriate for a rural church with many farm families in the pews, saying that the Gospel is brought to people where they are. Speaking of Jesus, the Rev. Krotee said, “He didn’t say, ‘Come to me,’ he went to them.” Church members brought large farm machinery to the parking lot where the outdoor portion of the Sunday service took place. Not only where the seeds blessed, but prayers were also said for the machines, the soil and the farmers. A small field beside the church will be planted with corn soon, when the weather is suitable. The church will donate produce from the field to the poor. The church is located at 5401 White Hall Road. Call 410-228-4640.