Some Callaway churches reopen, while others stay online

<p>Olivia Garrett/FULTON SUN</p><p>Some local churches are moving back into sanctuaries after weeks online.</p>

Olivia Garrett/FULTON SUN

Some local churches are moving back into sanctuaries after weeks online.

As businesses reopen, so too do shuttered churches.

There are dozens of churches in Callaway County. Each has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic in a different way - from porch and parking lot gatherings to virtual services streamed into the home.

On Saturday, the Callaway County Health Department released news of a new COVID-19 case - the first positive diagnosis in weeks and one of two active cases currently.

With state stay-at-home orders expired, some congregations have already reunited. Many churches are staying online indefinitely. But even at the churches that are meeting in person once again, services still look different than they did months ago.

Heartland Church in Fulton will begin meeting in-person this Sunday for the first time in weeks, with a series of precautions implemented to help keep attendees safe.

In order to space out families, the worship service will take place in the church's gym, with the sanctuary reserved for overflow attendance. Rev. Jason Buckwalter recommends attendees bring a mask and while seating will be available, chairs brought from home are also welcome.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is one of the congregations not yet moving to reopen - based on guidance from church leaders, the local congregation has been conducting church in the home.

The church has communicated through Zoom, Facebook, texting and phone calls.Though the mood is upbeat, many are looking forward to eventually gathering again, Bishop Gary Nevels said.

"We miss each other," Nevels said.

Over the past few weeks, Buckwalter has been preaching alone, unable to see his audience.

The image of a pastor, sitting alone or with a few musicians, in an empty church has become familiar for many.

"I feel this deep sadness each time I begin to preach to the camera attached to my computer," Buckwalter wrote in a message outlining plans to reopen.

A good preacher knows how to read their audience, riffing off facial expressions and the mood in the room. That is not easy during a livestream.

"We are ending the end of the Easter season and heading straight into Pentecost and it does not seem possible that we have not been able to meet together through the entire season of Easter, and still we are the church," Rev. Mindy Kiepe said Sunday in one such livestream to her congregation at First Christian Church, a wooden cross, chalices and a burning candle visible beside her.

That same Sunday, First Presbyterian Church of Fulton minister Rev. Aaron White stood alone with Easter lillies beside him and told his congregation that the church might return in July.

Though the plan varies from place to place and even day to day, safety is the leading concern at each church.

"My responsibility as a pastor is to ensure the safety of the flock," Buckwalter said.

Buckwalter has heard grumbling and false rumours that church closures and social distancing precautions are the result of government orders - this is not true.

In fact, Buckwalter says churches have been left alone with very little guidance. Heartland's leadership has had to do its own research, brainstorming with other local faith leaders and the county health department.

"Nobody is making us do these things," Buckwalter said. "This is an expression of our Christian love for our community."