Despite virus, Easter goes on

Easter Sunday: a time of rebirth and renewal for Christians across the world.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and Governor Andy Beshear’s order banning gatherings of large groups of people worship services have greatly inhibited churches ability to conduct services. Some churches, in Kentucky and around the nation, have defied orders and continue to worship as before – risking sharp criticism and possible legal fines.

While some churches have suspended services due to concerns about further spreading the virus, many others have taken to social media or other ingenious ideas to continue to spread the Word and keep their flocks safe.

We contacted several churches around the county to see how they will be conducting services this Sunday.

Crossroads Community Baptist Church plans to hold a drive-up service at he Light Community at 11 a.m. Easter Morning.  The church is located at 2370 Osborne Creek Road in Strunk. In the event of bad weather the service will be broadcast live on the church’s Facebook page.

TheWilliamsburg Street Lighthouse will host services outside as well, in the parking lot of their Youth Ministry Unit in the Big M parking lot at 11 a.m. Pastor Mike Rafferty says everyone is welcome to attend: as they will set up speakers outside and practice safe social distancing throughout the service.

Rafferty said his goal is to ensure that anyone who needs prayer, or has a lock-in family member can be ministered to during this time.

Stearns First Baptist Church is planning an outdoor-stay in your car service to celebrate Easter. Services will begin at 11 a.m.

Walkers Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will hold their Easter service in the parking lot of Crabtree-Wilson Insurance in Whitley City Sunday morning at 10:30. It will be a drive-in service and attendees are asked to maintain a 6-foot separation and no one will be allowed outside of their car.

Whitley City First Baptist Church will conduct their service on the church’s Facebook page starting at 10 a.m.

Redemption Way Church in Stearns will conduct a do Drive In Church where people will come and remain in their cars while they do a Praise and Worship service then Bring forth The Word. The service will also be broadcast on Facebook Live. The church will also be making Easter baskets for the children since they will not be able to have a Easter Egg hunt on the grounds.

The East Pine Knot Tabernacle Church of God will be doing a drive-in service and live streaming it on our YouTube channel starting at 10 a.m. The link to the live stream and link to their YouTube channel are at tabernacleonline.org and will be posted on their Facebook page.

Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Whitley City will not be holding services, but joining with the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington for a live-stream service starting at 11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/pg/ctklexky/videos.

Whitley City United Methodist Church will hold services using the Zoom app, starting at 11 a.m.

Due to health concerns Indian Creek United Baptist Church has cancelled their drive-up services and will be posting a video of their Easter services on their Facebook page.

Reverend Don Simmons of the Pine Knot Baptist Church will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper on Easter. He will be providing each house in the congregation with a sealed cup of grape juice and a sealed cup with bread and will celebrate the Lord’s Supper with each family individually without entering the home.