Various churches in the Bradford area are taking a cautious approach to worship but still plan on holding services this weekend.
Both Open Arms churches, in Bradford and in Port Allegany, will be operating as usual.
Pastors Zoe Hatcher and Matthew Burt shared a letter to the congregation via social media saying the churches will have hand sanitizer and some face masks available.
“As always, all areas of the church are disinfected, including the children’s ministry, bathrooms and coffee areas. The auditorium is cleaned before and after services as well.”
The ministers asked congregants to be cautious and take preventive measures for the safety of themselves and others.
Pastor Rob Jeffrey shared a statement for Bradford Alliance Church that stated he is learning how to deal with a pandemic, just as the congregation might be. He continued,
“What I do know is we will have services at our normal time. I’ve asked Doctor (John) Breznik to take some time Sunday morning and share some thoughts so we can be better educated going forward.”
For those who are ill, the pastor encouraged them to stay home. Also, for those who do not feel comfortable venturing out, Jeffrey urged, “If you feel the need to stay home or at risk due please don’t fret the decision. Stay home. Worship Jesus. Where you are, He is there too.”
A letter addressed to the Sawyer Church Family and signed the Sawyer Church Council was shared via social media Friday. Church officials indicated that as there are no known infections in the area, “all events scheduled at Sawyer will take place. We encourage the following course of action.”
The statement urges those with symptoms including fever, cough and sneezing to stay home; wash hands thoroughly and frequently and refrain from handshakes and hugging. Sunday worship can be viewed live via the church’s Facebook page, according to the letter.
On Thursday, Bishop Lawrence Persico of the Erie Diocese excused Catholic parishioners from Sunday worship. And on Friday, Bishop Sean Rowe suspended services at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension.
