Social Distance Church Service During COVID-19
Rev Betty Hillsman leading a congregational prayer.
On Sunday, July 19, Grace & Glory Tabernacle MB Church officially reopened the doors of the church to its congregation.
Grace & Glory Tabernacle MB Church’s pastors, Sunday School teachers and ushers met for three specific meetings during Illinois’ third phase to make plans to reopen the church using personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizer, etc. Due to the stay-at-home order, the North Lawndale church, located at 2140 S Pulaski Rd., hosted virtual services through Zoom and Facebook Live.
It was the pastors’ main goal to continue to have their members stay connected to church, each other and God. Co-Pastor of Grace & Glory Tabernacle Rev. Betty Hillsman said, “It’s time we use faith and reconnect with God and each other.”
For the official church reopening service, about 30 members were in attendance. All of the members used PPE gear and followed social distancing protocols according to local public health mandates. Members came with their own masks and the church provided PPE equipment for those who could have needed them. Church leaders made sure that their service area was prepared for up to 50 attendees.
The service consisted of a praise dance from the youth, the importance of being together from scriptures, and a special themed sermon about church attendance from Rev. Hillsman.
“We must continue to all wear our masks during each service and have PPE available on hand,” said Hillsman. “We are using our faith in God to allow Him to help aid us in this reopening as we know He will keep us.”
There were church members who were happy to be back in the church with other members.
“Church is important and it’s been an unique opportunity going to service virtually but glad to be back,” said Farrah Davis, a member of the church for 20 years.
(Disclaimer: Markayle Tolliver, reporter of the Real Chi, is a member of Grace & Glory Tabernacle MB Church.)