Churches in Windsor-Essex reopen

By Precious Alasa

Religious organizations in Windsor-Essex have been allowed to reopen their places of worship after a lockdown of three months. 

Ontario premier Doug Ford made the public announcement on June 8 that churches can now reopen at 30 per cent of building capacity.

In order to control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, worship centres were forced to shut their doors in March and many transitioned to online services. According to Kevin Rogers, the leader of New Song Church, transitioning was challenging.

“Learning quickly to pre-record services for YouTube, getting people familiarized with Zoom, tracking with people who did not text and using Messenger or email was difficult,” says Kevin Rogers.

According to Rogers, donations fell by almost half of what the church usually receives but picked up after a couple of weeks. 

 With safety guidelines put in place, the New Song Church leader says he is ready to have members experience fellowship together. The church also intends to reopen its community emergency food outreach, Feeding Windsor, once other partnering churches and social housing are ready to host.

According to a survey done at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Throne of Grace parish, nearly half of the church members showed their readiness to get back to church.

“Fellowship is vital to the church community; I have missed the togetherness especially during this period where there is so much uncertainty and chaos in the world,” said Toyin Adeyemi, a member at RCCG Throne of Grace church.

While some members are excited about going back to church, others are still warming up to the idea.

“I don’t think I am very comfortable going back to church because of my two year old, so I will be attending service online for now,” says Bola Jimoh, RCCG member.

Kevin Rogers advises members to adhere to the safety guidelines to ensure that everyone worships in a safe and healthy environment.