Take 2: In Person Services Resume at Grace Community Church

Published in the Seal Beach Sun, Vol. 52 No. 40

October 1, 2020

By Andrew Ficke

While there still remains great uncertainty concerning the future of the Covid-19 pandemic, some activities are starting to return to normal in Seal Beach. Public areas such as the beach, parks, and playgrounds are now open, along with many favorite restaurants along Main Street. With these updated regulations on in person gatherings, Grace Community Church of Seal Beach has decided to reopen in-person church services—again.

Grace Community Church originally reopened their doors this past July, starting with three “dress-rehearsal” services. While the services went smoothly, their intent was not to reach the majority of the congregation, (which were still reached by pre-recorded and live streamed broadcasts on YouTube, Facebook, and SBTV Channel 3), but rather to test out the many new procedures that would be required to keep future attendees safe in a socially distant environment. New safety procedures and deep-cleaning techniques developed by medical workers in the congregation and the church’s operations department proved successful, and plans to launch multiple services the following Sunday were given the green light.

Unfortunately, like many local businesses and organizations, Grace Community Church had to table their plans. Less than 24 hours after their final test service, the church canceled their future in-person services, in accordance with Governor Newsom’s orders closing houses of worship throughout the state. While discouraged at the development, Senior Pastor Bob Wriedt commented on the gravity of the situation: “We’re committed to doing what is in the best interest of our community and loving our neighbors well.” At the time, he mentioned that the church was still trying to figure out the details to outdoor services.

Despite these setbacks, it seems the church’s hopes of returning to in-person services are finally becoming a reality. Last Sunday, the church hosted its first official outdoor service on their lawn, just off 8th and Central in Old Town. Congregants were warmly greeted with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, along with friendly reminders to wear masks at all times. Many brought their own chairs and blankets to sit on, but seating was also available.

With some restrictions on indoor gatherings now lifted, the church plans to add an additional 10:15am indoor service next week, allowing for children’s ministry outdoors on the church’s lawn. While certainly good news, church capacity would still be limited to about 30% of pre-COVID levels between the two services, according to a statement made by Pastor Bob in this week’s broadcasted service. He stressed that most of the church would “continue to worship online,” with congregants given the choice to attend indoor and outdoor services via online registration to ensure availability.

Pastor Bob also hinted at adding more services to future Sundays, should in-person attendance grow. “Worship is an essential part of our lives and we’re committed to making it available safely for as many people who want to come.”

More information and updates regarding the church’s in-person and online services can be found on their website, at gracesealbeach.org.