Metro churches are taking steps to protect worshippers for Christmas Eve services. Many are offering both in-person and virtual options.
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“The worship services have been very meaningful because people want to come,” said Pastor William Flipping of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta. Flipping said church leadership is focused on safety for members.
Greater Piney Grove Baptist went virtual when the pandemic began and will offer both in-person and virtual options this weekend and next. People who plan to attend need to register and upload a vaccine card.
Church member Janell Brooks said, “We’ve just decided to stay home and watch instead.”
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Many churches aligned with CDC guidelines which still encourage mask wearing and social distancing. Greater Piney Grove Baptist is limiting the number of people in the sanctuary to 150.
Christ Church Episcopal in Gwinnett County held a COVID-19 testing clinic in the hours before its 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service Friday.
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“Just come and get tested before you go and visit somebody or before you go to the service,” Rev. Irma Guerra said.
Channel 2 Action News reached out to several local churches and learned the following plan to hold both virtual and in-person options:
- Community Bible Church in Stockbridge
- Peachtree Road United Methodist in Atlanta
- North Point Community Church in Alpharetta
- First Baptist Church in Atlanta
- Buckhead Church
- Passion City Church in Atlanta
- World Changers International in South Fulton
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