With the weekend approaching, the faith community is dealing with a new limit on the size of public gatherings in Oregon, over concerns regarding COVID-19.
This week Governor Kate Brown banned gatherings of over 250 people. The rule is in place for the next 4 weeks. While large church congregations are common in bigger cities, most churches in Douglas County have a smaller attendance. For some though, the rule has caused modifications in their weekend services.
Redeemer’s Fellowship in Roseburg holds 1 service on Saturday night and 2 on Sunday morning. Executive Pastor Mike Kildal told News Radio 1240 KQEN that the church averages just over 1,000 adults and children between the 3 services. Kildal said the church wants to be a good example and help reduce potential exposure to COVID-19.
Kildal said “although we are canceling our weekend gatherings, we are not canceling church”. Redeemer’s has moved to on-line only services for at least the next two weeks, and longer if the rule remains in place for the 4 full weeks, or potentially longer. A church service with music and a sermon will be released on the Redeemer’s website at the times church services are normally held: Saturday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Mornings at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The website has a link where the service can be viewed. Other links provide information normally shared in person with those attending. That website is www.redeemers.org
At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Roseburg, Business Administrator Pauline Schulze said all Catholic Churches in Oregon will follow the guidance from the Archbishop of Portland, Reverend Alexander Sample. Archbishop Sample called for changes “out of an abundance of concern for the health and well-being” of those who attend a Catholic Church. A release from the Archdiocese said anyone over age 60 is encouraged not to attend Mass since they are the most vulnerable to the virus. It said people who have underlying medical issues or compromised immune systems that put them at risk are asked not to attend. The release said anyone who feels ill should not attend. Schulze said given those guidelines, and with some who normally attend Mass on Sunday, being asked to go on Saturday, the church will be under the 250-person limit.
Family Church is modifying its services and taking sanitizing precautions for those who attend. Administrative Director Crystal Cunningham said at its Sutherlin location the total number of people in the building at 1 time does not reach 250. Cunningham said given the health concerns, she expects small crowds this weekend. Kids and youth classes and events are cancelled for now. Regular attenders are encouraged to watch the service online is they are not feeling well. Their website is www.familychurchweb.com. The church also has campus’s in Green and in Myrtle Creek.