Social distancing restrictions mean Holy Week and Easter services will be held online or as drive-in only.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Omaha is one of the oldest predominantly African American churches in Nebraska and has been in operation since the 1800s. Senior Pastor Ralph Lassiter said they’ve long been a traditional church, but social distancing has forced them to introduce electronic means of holding church functions.
Prayer meetings, Sunday school, and bible study have all been moved online, and participation in Sunday school has increased. Members who weren’t previously knowledgeable about technology have learned in order to stay active in church.
For regular Sunday services, the church has used both live-streamed and pre-recorded options. For Easter Sunday, Lassiter said, they’re planning to hold a drive-in service.
“The objective was to be able to bring back some sense or community or fellowship,” Lassiter said. “Even though individuals would not be able to talk or to engage in what traditionally was common, which was to give those Holy hugs and those kisses on the cheek.”
Weather may force some changes to the service, including Lassiter moving indoors to preach and broadcast the sermon instead of doing it in the parking lot.
Mount Moriah will hand out communion as cars arrive and then take communion all at the same time during their Easter service. People distributing communion will wear personal protective equipment to protect themselves and others.