BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special the The Press

Pastor Adam Kern of The Vine Church, Route 873, Schnecksville, reports 10 a.m. Sunday services are taking place outdoors.

“We want to be as safe as we can,” Kern says.

“We can see everybody face-to-face and worship together.”

He said the wooded grounds outside the church provide ample space for people to spread out.

If it should rain on a Sunday morning, worship will be held indoors.

Kern said temperature checks will be taken before people enter, and chairs will be spaced out to maintain physical distancing.

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Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, is conducting Sunday worship services outdoors in the grove 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9, 16 and 23.

Online postings are done at 8 a.m. each Sunday and may be viewed anytime during the week.

People can listen to the service anytime on their phone by calling 610-410-9595.

Pastor Kris Snyder-Samuelson says the virtual Blessing of the Animals service in July included photos of 70 pets.

During the worship, the pets were blessed by a pastor, and thanks were offered to God for the creatures who give so much joy to people’s lives.

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St. John’s United Church of Christ, Laurys Station, has a task force meeting to plan for the future reopening of the church for in-person worship.

Guidelines from the CDC will be followed regarding face masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing.

For the safety of everyone, congregational singing, bulletins, Bibles or hymnals will not be available.

Pastor James Gottwald is offering private baptisms.

Online church services are available now and will continue even after in-person gatherings begin.

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The administrators of Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, report the first virtual VBS will be remembered for years to come.

Held on five Wednesdays this summer, each week’s program included songs, stories, skits, and cameos from the Union Lutheran Church family.

There will be outdoor worship services 9 a.m. each Sunday in August and 7 p.m. Aug. 19.

The services will be canceled if it rains.