In the first amendment, freedom of religion is in the top spot. But during this pandemic things have changed. The National Government has come and declared everyone should be social distancing and people should stay six feet away from people to stop the spread of the coronavirus, but for churchgoers, staying six feet apart is easier said than done.
In Tennessee, a pastor was calling for the governor to consider church essential.
“It is disturbing to me how grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, day care centers, etc. can be designated as essential businesses, yet churches and religious institutions are not part of the list of essential businesses,” Bishop Alvin E. Miller wrote to Fox 17 in Nashville. “How can churches and religious institutions not be classified as ‘essential’ when our nation is fighting one of its greatest enemies since its existence?”
On the other hand, there were protests in California and in Cincinnati, where people were driving by the services honking their horns and begging the churchgoers to stay because they are spreading the virus.
Here in Laramie, churches are doing their best to accommodate the regulations but also giving people their church services.
“Harvest Church continues to minister in an online presence, phone calls, text and emails. We just had our first ever drive in church service for Easter and I believe people were blessed,” said senior Pastor Bobby Calderon. “I have encouraged and continue to encourage leaders to reach out to those they have relationship with in the church and make sure people are good and their needs are met. Men’s ministry are continuing to meet via Webex Meet.”
Pastor Calderon does express, though, that people can be safe and also be part of the church.
“The church should continue to be disciples. Disciples are disciplined followers of Jesus. We need to continue/start to do the things God has called us to do. Pray, fast, believe and trust in God. Pray for our country and the world and hurting people. We need to pray Psalm 91, a psalm of protection over our lives. We need to pray Psalm 139:23-24 over ourselves too which is ‘Search me O God and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.’ On Sundays, I would encourage people to get dressed and ready for church, gather their family and tune in online with expectancy in their hearts that God will move on their behalf.”
