Merced County’s faithful find ways to worship on Easter amid COVID-19 pandemic
Like Christians worldwide, many Merced County residents this week must find alternative ways to worship, due to the interruption of traditional church services leading up to Easter Sunday.
A strict health order Wednesday reiterated that church service gatherings are considered non-essential in Merced County, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Failure to comply can result in a misdemeanor fine, jail time or both.
Such limitations have already had an immediate impact. For example, Sacred Heart Church has canceled its annual Stations of the Cross reenactment — an event that draws hundreds of Christians to the streets of south Merced every Good Friday, to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Gone also this weekend will be the processions of families and their children — many dressed to the nines — going to Sunday morning Easter services to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
Thanks to the evolution of technology, while in-person church services are on hold for the time being, online church services will move forward.
In Merced, Gateway Community Church, United Methodist Church of Merced, Bible Christian Church and Sacred Heart Church, Yosemite Church are just a few of the churches holding regular services online from Good Friday through Easter Sunday.
“Services have not been canceled, they’re just different,” said Yosemite Church Pastor Matt Shumaker.
Coming together during social distancing
Merced County churches are also seizing the moment to innovate ways to bring the community together with a joint message of hope.
About a dozen local church leaders collaborated on a video message to be played at Easter Sunday services throughout the county.
“The message that everyone needs to hear is one of hope,” Shumaker said. “That’s what the entire message of Easter (is).“
The unified message will, “collectively say we’re in this together,” said United Methodist Church of Merced Pastor Ella Luna-Garza.
The video includes the reading of Christ’s resurrection story — an apt sentiment for the current state of the world, church leaders say.
“The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that we live in victory,” said Gateway Community Church Pastor Mark Humphreys. “God’s got this,” he added.
Area churches are also organizing a 9 a.m. ringing of bells Sunday.
“I think there’s no question, Easter will not be the same,” said Humphreys. But the traditional ringing of bells will provide normalcy, an opportunity for reflection and bring unity to a community forced into physical separation, he said.
“It fills the air (and) is far reaching despite how isolated we might be or alone we might feel,” Luna-Garza said. “It reminds us that Easter is still here, that God is still alive and that Jesus is doing amazing things,” she added.
Gateway Church member Monika Grasley said the coronavirus pandemic during Easter — one of the most important times of year for Christians — has changed the mood for many.
“All those things that we as a nation have so taken for granted, there’s new awareness that it can all go away in no time,” Grasley said.
But while some react with fear and hoarding of supplies, other are connecting with their community more creatively and with an increased appreciation of its resilience, she noted.
“The way we respond says a lot of our theology,” Grasley said. “I think there’s also this amazing opportunity to think outside of the box.”
Gateway is also giving out Easter egg hunt packs for at-home family festivities. But when coronavirus precautions become less stringent, the church hopes to re-celebrate Easter as a community, including a large Easter egg hunt, Humphreys said.
Luna-Garza said she hopes to be outside during sunrise Sunday and stream the service on United Methodist Church of Merced’s Facebook page. The service symbolizes the future and new beginnings, she said.
Church resources and help
Many faith-based organizations are stepping up efforts to help those most in need during the coronavirus pandemic. A list of those offering resources and help can be found on the Sun-Star’s website.
United Methodist Church of Merced also has a food pantry, with some cleaning products and toiletries available, too. Those in need can call (209) 722-5777 to reserve supplies.
Appointments are needed to regulate the number of people congregating at a time, Luna-Garza said.
Located near Merced Medical Center, Gateway Community Church is aiding hospital staff by setting aside rooms for them to take a break, rest or clean up, Grasley said.
First Baptist Church also set up a daycare for children of first responders, according to Grasley.
“I think churches are trying to be relevant during this time, and finding ways to be helpful,” she said. “We need to be reminded this isn’t the end of the world,” Grasley added.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 1:12 PM.
