Churches Use Creative Means For New Places Of Worship

Since the pandemic was announced, life has taken on new meaning. What is important? The government and health departments are trying to guide families into what is important. The government deems some areas of our lives as “necessary”, and others not. States like Michigan have enumerated the necessities, like grocery stores and not hairdressers. California is doing the same in saying churches are non-essential while marijuana stores are needed ^[1].  Through all of this dictating, many state and local governments have decided that church services are not necessary.

Are The Congregations Meeting?

Churches in America want to meet and worship in the way they choose. The right to worship has appeared in the news a lot lately, and it is one of the rights guaranteed to Americans. With states telling churches to stay closed and to fear the COVID-19 virus, local churches have tried to respond favorably.

Examples Of Church Services

First Baptist Church in Mammoth Spring was among those that held drive-in services until the weather became too hot. One church outside of Detroit just resumed Sunday morning services. A good-sized church in Chrystal Lake, Illinois, is meeting outside in a tent until October. A church in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, meets inside a Walmart. ^[2]

If people can safely gather at a Walmart to worship, then it is absurd to suggest that the actual house of worship is any more dangerous.

Holly Springs, Mississippi, did the same thing and held a worship service in Walmart on Palm Sunday. Meanwhile across the country in Las Vegas, Nevada, a group of worshippers met in a hotel and casino. Their thought was,

 Houses of worship have a hard cap of 50 people, while casinos may allow 50% capacity. ^[3]

Along the same vein, California’s San Louis Obisbo County District Attorney Dan Dow has declared his county as a sanctuary county for churches. This contrasts California’s sanctuary cities so named for protecting illegal persons.

California’s Grace Community Church has been threatened with fines for holding services. Nonetheless, the pastor John MacArthur welcomed people to last Sunday’s service with these words,” Good Morning everyone. I’m so happy to welcome you to the Grace Community Church peaceful protest.” He is comparing the California protests being called peaceful to the church service which is deemed unnecessary. This is just a few of the many instances across the country of how Christians are rising to the occasion of worship.

President Trump acknowledged the importance of worship in churches, synagogues, and mosques. On May 23, 2020 ^[4]Trump said,

These are the places that hold our society together and keep our people united.

Because of what Trump said, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its “guidelines” for churches to reopen. The CDC recommends no singing and fewer people in attendance while still maintaining social distancing.

What Do Churches Offer?

Churches across the nation offer hope and a reason to live. They also offer hope for the next life. Simply being with other likeminded believers can cheer a person’s well-being. Worship is powerful, especially during a time of need or fear. With the current environment,

People who would normally turn to religion to get them through the crisis are being deprived of that right due to the church closures.

It seems the mayors in Chicago and Philadelphia do not want churches open. They want their citizens to be dependant upon themselves.  ^[5]

Suicide Numbers

Since the pandemic began, suicide numbers have risen. Among others, Tennessee saw a dramatic rise in cases. ^[6] Families find it difficult to cope while not paying bills, being told by the government that they are unnecessary, lack of food and fresh air. No hope. Hospitals and nursing homes see deaths related to loneliness.

During this uncertain time, places of worship desperately need to open to aid each community.