Churches work to meet challenge of coronavirus

MOSES LAKE — Christian church services are among the many activities affected by the restrictions on movement and gatherings prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The virus outbreak and restrictions have been challenging for churches, but a variety of local congregations are finding ways to hold services and stay connected. Churches’ adaptations over the past few weeks will carry them through Easter celebrations, a traditionally very important time for Christians.

“Our relationship hasn’t changed because our circumstances have changed,” said Andy Grenier, pastor of First Baptist Church of Moses Lake.

Many, although not all, churches are temporarily broadcasting services on social media. But the stringent rules imposed to help curb the outbreak still have an impact.

“We are missing the gathering. We are missing each other,” said Brandi Bewick, receptionist at Grace Harvest Church, Moses Lake.

A lot of activities have shifted online, not just Sunday services but devotionals and programs for children.

Grace Harvest Pastor Doug Sherman is among the pastors doing a daily devotional.

“People seem to really appreciate that kind of encouragement,” Bewick said.

Sunday Masses and special Holy Week services are being livestreamed from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Moses Lake. Father Dan Dufner said the process requires a “very small team,” in this case the priest, a videographer, and assistance from two parishioners.

Livestreaming a service in a nearly empty church is a different experience.

“Very much so,” Dufner said.

The sentiment was echoed by Mark Brownell, pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Moses Lake.

“It’s hard, to be honest,” Brownell said, because it’s difficult to gauge effectiveness without seeing the congregations’ reaction.

Sendero Life Center, Moses Lake, livestreamed its services before the outbreak, and more have been added since it began.

“I think the technology base has really helped us,” Executive Pastor Sabrina Valdez said.

Church members are working to expand the opportunity.

“Now we get to build this infrastructure even better,” Valdez said.

Churches still are looking for options to connect with everybody in their congregations, young and old. Youth ministers at First Baptist Church drop off what they call “blessing bags,” for the kids, filled with things like chalk and building blocks. Kids at Grace Harvest are getting activity packets, with coloring pages and other pastimes along with the religious instruction.

The Diocese of Yakima is providing free access to Formed, a streaming service with religious and secular programming.

“You can liken it to a Catholic Netflix,” Dufner said.

The lockdown is “stretching us to be able to reach our seniors,” Valdez said. Sendero Life Center members make phone calls to the church’s senior citizens and work to help them access the technology so they can watch the service.

The congregation at the First Baptist Church is also working to keep in contact with people who can’t go out.

The Moses Lake Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not livestreaming its services, but its leaders are encouraging members “to reach out in ways that are available,” said Stake President Ryan Tolley.

The Sendero Life Center congregation also reached out to health care workers. The group sent a thank-you basket to the staff of Samaritan Hospital and is working on one for the Othello Community Hospital staff. The congregation is planning a first-class celebration when the time comes that members can all get together again.

“Until then, we make the most of it,” Valdez said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at eduction@columbiabasinherald.com.