Reunited in the spirit of worship

Along with bars, restaurants, hair salons and most other businesses, Saukville churches are beginning to reopen or make plans for in-person worship services, at least on a limited basis.

River of Life Lutheran Church, 598 Hillcrest Rd., held its first service Sunday, May 31, since concerns over the coronavirus caused it and other area churches to go almost exclusively to online services.

“We have taken plenty of precautionary measures to make sure people are able to worship safely,” the Rev. Ethan Luhman said. 

Those measures included reducing seating to 25% of capacity, adding a third service, shortening the length of each service and reducing the amount of singing.

“And we’re not offering coffee and donuts for the time being (sorry!),” Luhman wrote in an email.

Those feeling ill are being asked to stay home, and services will continue to be livestreamed for those not comfortable attending church, Luhman said.

Parkside UCC, 166 W. Dekora St., is tentatively planning to hold its first in-person service on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, the Rev. Susan Drake said.

“We will have an abundance of precautions in place when we do,” Drake said.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, 145 W. Church St., also is planning to reopen its doors on Father’s Day, the Rev. Sulaimon Jimoh said.

“We are still doing online services and observing social distancing, mask wearing and other guidelines” from the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, he said.

In the midst of the pandemic, however, Redeemed Church opened its Joyful Foundation food pantry, which is available from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Appointments for pick-up can be made by calling (414) 439-7514 or (708) 724-3870.

Living Hope Lutheran Church, 851 W. Dekora St., has been holding drive-in worship services in the church parking lot since Easter and will continue to do so through June 21, the Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson said.

Ushers wear masks and gloves to distribute communion elements and bulletin. People are asked to stay in their vehicles, she said.

Nieman Anderson is also the pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington, which had lawn-chair worship May 31 and will again June 14 and June 28.

Those in attendance are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and wear masks. Singing will be limited, Nieman Anderson said.