Regina churches prepare for larger services

Starting March 19, worship services throughout the province will be allowed to have more people in attendance.

For Pastor Joel Wells with the Harvest City Church, the announcement comes as great news.

“I know we have many people that are anxious and ready to get back into a church,” Wells said. “And I’m very confident we can do it in a safe manner.

“Honestly, I have felt safer coming to our church than I ever did going to the grocery store.”

Worship services will be allowed to have up to 30 per cent of a building’s seating capacity or 150 attendees, whichever is less. All other COVID-19 public health guidelines will continue to remain in effect.

“I’ve preached to a lot of white walls and video cameras this past year,” Wells said. “To speak to 30 people the last month or so has been great but it’ll be even better to have more faces for sure.”

Those in attendance have to maintain two metres of physical distancing unless they’re part of the same household, and all of those in attendance as well as choirs/performers must wear masks throughout the service.

The changes do not apply to receptions or non-ceremonial gatherings.

“We’re cautiously optimistic. We have done everything we can to stay connected through Zoom but there’s nothing that can replace relationship and connecting with one another face to face,” Wells said. “We are really looking forward to the future like everyone else.

“I feel like we can operate in a safe manner. If I didn’t, we wouldn’t open.”