Sunday marks return to in-person service for Leechburg churches

Two churches in Leechburg are offering in-person worship. One is returning to church, while the other never stopped in-person services during the pandemic.

In a letter to the congregation Thursday, the Rev. Beverly Spore of First United Methodist Church announced a return to face-to-face worship, meetings and small groups is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 24. The church is at 251 Main St.

Spore said the church reopening task force met collectively to make a decision on whether to reopen and went with the majority.

“People are really anxious to have some kind of normal,” Spore said.

For those unable to attend in person or who choose to worship from home, the service will be available via Zoom.

Spore said covid-19 guidelines will be followed at in-person services.

“We would like to continue keeping everyone as healthy as possible so we will be wearing masks and social distancing,” Spore wrote.

Spore encouraged parishioners to keep the faith during the pandemic.

“I never in my lifetime dreamed that churches would miss celebrating Easter or Christmas together, but it has happened. Above all, remember that we will not always be in this pandemic mode,” Spore wrote.

Spore said in-person worship hovered around 40 people in December and said she expects about the same number of worshipers Sunday.

“I hope the vaccine is administered quickly and we can have some kind of real normal,” she said.

First Baptist services

First Baptist Church in Leechburg has continuously offered in-person worship at 11 a.m. Sundays since May.

At the independent Baptist church, Pastor Jonathan Potter said he’s welcoming new faces on Sundays.

“God has really blessed our church in great ways in spite of the pandemic, ” Potter said. “While some have not come back to in-person services yet, we have had a number of new folks start attending our church.”

Potter said they’ve introduced new Sunday school classes.

The worship service also is available online via Facebook Live each Sunday.

Masks are not required during worship.

“We encourage social distancing, and those who feel better wearing a mask are encouraged to do so,” Potter said.

The church is at 111 Siberian Ave.