MILL CREEK, Wash. — Places of worship are feeling the impact Gov. Jay Inslee's ban on large gatherings and many have had to adapt Sunday church services.
Gold Creek Community Church in Mill Creek held three services on Sunday, March 15. The Church can fit more then 1,500 people, but Pastor Dan Kellogg said services would be limited to 250. Those who could not attend could watch an online broadcast.
Gold Creek said it's doing what it can to stop the spread of the virus while still proving a community platform. The church is spacing chairs to encourage social distancing and screening staff members daily for the virus symptoms.
"We think getting together is really important," said Pastor Kellogg.
Churches in Washington are working to navigate social distancing and the Governor's ban on large events. Numerous churches have decided to close their buildings, cancel events and move services online.
The Grove Church in Marysville has announced it's become a 'Drive-in Church' for Sunday services. The church held a 35 minute service from the roof for the building. People parked in the church's lot and tuned in to 107.1FM to listen to the worship and speaking.
"Drive up, park, tune in, and be encouraged together!" said Pastor Nik Baumgart on The Grover Church's website.
Kellogg said Gold Creek Church is monitoring the situation and at this time it's following the request of the governor and guidelines by the CDC.
"People ask me the questions why," said Kellogg, "I believe the reason why is because we're contagious. We're contagious with faith, which is a different way of looking at it. We don't believe this is going to be the end, the end of everything."
Kellogg said the upcoming Easter holiday will be a challenge.
"I think we're going to have host homes, where we have hundreds of places meet for Easter instead of just one. We're going to try and do all things to cooperate and not spread the virus," said Kellogg.
He said he's encouraged by how people are working to find innovative ways to keep faith.