Providence churches gearing up for Easter in new ‘limbo’ pandemic stage
Despite the gradual reopening of places of worship here in Rhode Island, many churches are still opting in for an online celebration this year.
“I can’t wait to see people’s Easter bonnet and mask combos… I am certain it willl be exquisite!” Reverend Jamie Washam, from the First Baptist Church of America in Providence, excitedly says ahead of Easter weekend 2021.
This new limbo phase of the coronavirus pandemic has many places of worship left making difficult decisions on how to celebrate Easter this year.
Despite capacity restrictions loosening gradually across Rhode Island, many churches this year will still opt in for some sort of online gathering. And if churches are holding any sort of celebration in person, they say they’re being extra cautious to ensure all COVID-19 protocols are being followed.
Rev. Jamie Washam from the First Baptist Church of America in Providence, tells ABC6 they will hold one in-person service Sunday morning, socially-distanced style outside. All other services throughout Easter weekend will be online.
“We are planning to continue our online services as we have done throughout the pandemic because a number of folks are still not vaccinated,” Rev. Washam says. Washam adds the the pandemic has pushed her church to think outside of the box to keep online Sunday sermons engaging.
For Easter of 2021, she says they have had more than enough practice. Despite the overwhelming online element to Washam’s services this year, she says it still will be extremely special.
“The beauty of the spirit is that we can be united even when we are not physically in the same place,” Rev. Washam explains.
The latest guidance from the state health department says indoor and outdoor religious and faith-based services is to remain at 75% of normal worship space capacity.
Despite the rapidly improving rollout of vaccines here in the Ocean State, health officials still urging people to not let their guard down this holiday weekend.
