Pastors across the country say they and their congregations have responded with creativity and resiliency and invigorated community spirit even as the outbreak forced widespread cancellations of in-person services.
(AP Photo/Emily Leshner)The coronavirus pandemic has posed daunting challenges for houses of worship across the U.S., often entailing large financial losses and suspension of in-person services.
Financially, there’s no simple summary of how houses of worship have fared through six months of pandemic.
Similarly, online services by Valley Beth Shalom, a synagogue in Encino, California, have attracted new members from Israel, England and Brazil.
Scott Jones, UMC bishop for 58 counties in eastern Texas, said one short-term challenge is avoiding singing as in-person services resume.