California Baptist University

CHURCH SERVICE PERSISTS During COVID-19, Christian communities continued to meet virtually and offered online resources for people to continue to participate.

Churche s

L iving through a pandemic, many lo VID-19 mandatory safety regulations. Crossroads Christian Church, led by pastor Chuck Booher, closed its doors in March 2020, though online services have continued to grow. In June, the church began having small prayer meet ings which have since morphed into outdoor ser vices twice daily with masks and social distancing. Whether online or in-person, Crossroads con tinues to be a meeting place for people to worship. Eric Gonzales, senior Christian studies major, says, “At the core of Crossroads’ heart, they want to be a beacon of hope and light that offers a meeting loca tion for people.” “The church is not a building ... It is a gather ing of people,” adds senior graphic design major Susannah Metzler. While the church leaders are unsure when they will return to indoor services, Crossroads Chris tians continue to share the truth of the gospel, providing their members with hope and encourage ment. cal churches have opened and reopened throughout the year according to the CO

Another local church taking safety precautions through the pandemic is Harvest Christian Fellow ship, led by pastor Greg Laurie. Alejandra Sillas, junior kinesiology major, says being involved in the church through a pandemic provides hope in the midst of difficulty. “There’s a lot of uncertainty right now,” Sillas says. “But I don’t think that scares the church or stops them because we know the truth and that truly helps.” Though many struggle through the pandemic, Harvest worship continues to abide by safety guidelines by social distancing on campus with an RSVP and offering Harvest services online. As both churches safely gather through the pandemic, their perseverance to continue meeting reflects God’s love and is a source of hope for those who need it. Churchgoers continues to abide by safety guidelines by maintaining social distancing on campus, wearing face masks with an RSVP, or watching service at home online. Through perseverance, churches continue to show God’s love, while still aiming to gather safely through the pandemic.

WORDS Anyssa Gonzalez Faith Wicks

PHOTOS Camille Grochowski

DESIGN Kia Harlan

Cultivating Faith

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