News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Churches in the Upper Cumberland prepare to meet in sanctuary in the coming weeks.
Cumberland Fellowship Church in Crossville will begin regular services starting May 17th. Administrative pastor Bob Tollich said their congregation started making plans last week to reopen at half capacity.
“I know folks are excited ,” Tollich. ” We are just excited to see them as they are to say us, but again, we wanted to make sure we did this properly. We wanted everyone protected. We want them to feel safe, and most of all, we want them to feel welcomed.”
Tollich said Cumberland Fellowship hired a commercial company to disinfect all buildings and seating before opening.
Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Cookeville is starting the first phase of their reopening plan on May 10th. Associate Pastor Shane Bowling said for the month of May, Washington Avenue Baptist will only have one service per week at 50 percent capacity.
“We are just making this available to those who are healthy and well and are ready to get back into this thing and this kind of crowd,” Bowling said.
Bowling said after phase one, they will evaluate the congregation and Gov. Lee’s guidelines before entering phase two and increasing capacity.
Despite Lee’s guidelines to not meet earlier in the pandemic, West End Church of Christ in Livingston has not closed once. Elder Tim Smith said their attendance dropped from 150 to 50 on the first weekend Lee recommended staying home.
“We believe in what the bible teaches,” Smith said. “The bible says to come together the first day of the week, and that’s something man can’t change.”
Smith said their congregation continues to practice social distancing and only allowed 50 percent capacity during the pandemic.
All three congregations continue to offer online services for members who feel unsafe or are sick. Lee recommended any churches delay any programs for kids or vulnerable populations, minimize personal contact, keep attendance at 50 percent and churchgoers wear masks.
