Churches reopen for services
By Kathy Thomson
Although a few local churches were able to hold normal services throughout the coronavirus shutdown, most had to move to some sort of online platform.
With Gov. Greg Abbott’s recently issued orders to allow Phase 1 of opening Texas to begin May 1, several congregations are once again meeting together in-person or are making plans to do so in the near future.
Trinity Lutheran
Pastor Tom Chandler explained some of the changes that were implemented by Trinity Lutheran Church in order to meet the minimum standard health protocols recommended by the state.
“The first item on the checklist says to ‘strongly encourage the at-risk population to watch or participate in the service remotely’,” said Chandler. “I personally contacted our most vulnerable members, telling them that it is okay not to come to church, and I emailed a similar message to the entire congregation.”
Those not comfortable meeting together yet were encouraged to stay home, and Chandler said that everyone with any symptoms at all should stay home.
“In order to maintain social distancing, we physically blocked off every other pew in the sanctuary, and we did not pass an offering plate,” said Chandler.
Masks were made available to all who attended.
“At the end, we dismissed families one at a time to prevent crowding,” said the pastor. “Because of all these changes, the service felt a little different. It was not perfect and there are a few things that we need to iron out before next week, but it was a great joy for me to see people in the pews while I preached.”
Chandler added that social distancing measures are for the safety of everyone in the community.
Other churches are taking similar precautions to protect parishioners and abide by state guidelines.
Friendship Baptist
Friendship Baptist Church offered two worship services, at 9:15 and at 10:55 a.m., with pastor Paul Johnston stating that the same schedule will be followed on Sunday, May 10.
“We are not changing anything,” Johnston said. “It went great!”
First Baptist Church
First Baptist also had two services last Sunday.
“As of right now, we will continue with two services in order to keep people spread apart,” said pastor Jeff Turner.
The Sunday services begin at 9:15 and at 10:45 a.m.
Jesus of Nazareth
“The Catholic church is doing in-person services at 8:30 a.m. with six-foot social distancing,” said member Angelyn Faith. “A face mask must be worn. The service will also be available live through Facebook.”
First Christian
First Christian Church had live-stream and in-person services last week, and pastor Brad McBee plans to continue doing both through the month of May, according to church secretary Mary Rose.
The Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary and is posted on Facebook at 11:00 a.m.
1st Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church will have Sunday morning worship in the church at 11:00 a.m.
“We hope to start up some of our other activities in the near future, but this week all we will have is the worship service,” said pastor Tim Trimble.
Maranatha Fellowship
Maranatha Fellowship will begin in-person services this Sunday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m.
“We have been using Zoom, and we will continue offering that for those who aren’t comfortable coming back,” said Christi Chapman, who pastors along with her husband Clint.
MMPC
Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will not hold a service in the sanctuary on May 10.
“We are still online only, but we hope to return to in-person services in the near future,” said pastor’s assistant Sandy Ingalls.
Trinity Covenant
Trinity Covenant Fellowship is meeting as usual, according to pastor Doug Stenberg.
“We are having our regular Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. and our Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Bible study,” he said. “All are welcome!”
United Pentecostal
According to pastor Lee Hail, the Pentecostal Church will have in-person services on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Other area churches had not submitted their information before press time on Tuesday.
