UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — As counties reopen under Phase 2 of the state’s plan, houses of worship can start indoor services again with some restrictions.
OURChurch in University Place has been holding drive-in services and is now preparing to welcome its congregants for in-person worship next weekend.
“I think people have adapted but I think they’re anxious to get back to some of those experiences that are so comforting to them,” said Pastor Dean Curry.
Pierce County is in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan which allows for indoor services at 25% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less. But because of President Trump's blessing for houses of worship to reopen fully, Curry plans to resume in-person services at 50% capacity. That could mean more than 400 people in his 850 seat facility.
“We’re kind of caught between quibbling parents because the President says open fast, CDC says these are the rules. The Governor says these are the rules. So we just try to split it up the middle and take something reasonable. We have a huge auditorium and plenty of space,” explained Pastor Curry.
Pastor Curry said he’ll also continue with drive-in services for folks in vulnerable groups or who just aren’t ready to go back inside just yet. He plans to simulcast his sermons, trading off between being inside and out.
As counties reopen, the CDC has cautioned that “group gatherings during church events” could be a source of widespread coronavirus transmission.
Pastor Curry said he wasn’t concerned about these “super spreader” events.
“No, no I don’t think so. People are going to big box stores, marches with hundreds and hundreds of people. I think, these experiences we are hosting couldn’t be more safe. We’ve sanitized our building professionally twice, there’s sanitation stations, temperature taking. It’s going to be wonderful,” added Pastor Curry.