Open Arms Church of Bradford will broadcast its annual Easter service on Sunday at 10 a.m.
A video livestream featuring music and an inspirational message will premiere on the Open Arms Community Church Facebook and YouTube pages, and the service will also be broadcast via radio by local station WESB, found at 107.5 FM.
While the church had originally planned to hold the service in the auditorium at Bradford Area High School, new guidelines and restrictions put into place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 viral outbreak prompted the change of venue, according to Open Arms Pastor Zoe Hatcher. Like many other churches attempting to honor those guidelines, Open Arms has been livestreaming its services for the past several weeks.
“One thing is certain: coronavirus won’t stop us from celebrating Easter,” Hatcher said. “We invite both of our locations, Bradford and Port Allegany, and our communities to tune in. We hope others from outside the community will join us, too, as we have seen people from all over the country viewing and participating in our livestreams. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the Easter season in your home, in your car, or wherever you choose to share in the music and message.”
Hatcher said that Open Arms intends to continue broadcasting its services online for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, and to continue to do so even after restrictions placed on public gatherings have been lifted.
“We want to continue to reach those we have connected with through the expanded platform this unique season has presented,” she said.
