‘We are still the church.’ How SLO County congregations are coping with coronavirus
San Luis Obispo County congregations are finding creative ways to reach out to members and provide worship services — even when the coronavirus outbreak keeps them apart.
Most area congregations have been limiting services for about a week — since Public Health officials announced the first local case of COVID-19 on March 14. And county authorities on Thursday enacted a shelter-at-home order preventing gatherings outside households.
In response, many local houses of worship have started broadcasting their services remotely and checking up on members who may be feeling isolated, especially the elderly.
For some churches, such as Grace Central Coast and Mountainbrook Church, streamed services are part of their normal offerings — but for others, the coronavirus outbreak is pushing leaders to try it for the first time.
Coronavirus prompts virtual worship, calls to elderly
First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo is planning to record a worship service ahead of time, upload it to YouTube and send it to members in an email, said Rev. John D’Elia, interim pastor. Much of the congregation is older, so an easier way to access technology, such as clicking a link, is the best way to reach them, he said.
“This is the first time we’ve tried to gather our community using these new tools,” he said.
D’Elia and other church staff have also been reaching out to members of the congregation who are elderly and live alone. He said he has a list of at least 40 people he plans to call — many just enjoy having a chat with someone.
In addition, volunteers are available to help deliver groceries and supplies to people who may not be able to leave their home, D’Elia said.
“We are available, even in emergencies,” he said. “We’re still the church.”
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa — one of the county’s most visible and well-known houses of worship — suspended mass on March 17 by order of Bishop Daniel Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey.
Even so, priests are still available to meet with parishioners in need, said Rev. Jim Nisbet, a retired priest who still does work at the Mission.
Collection and distribution of food is still taking place, and parishioners who take communion to those who can’t leave their homes are calling to check on them, Nisbet said.
The Mission is also posting some Mass services on its YouTube page online.
Emphasizing faith and community in challenging times
Nisbet said the Catholic faith emphasizes cultivating a personal relationship with God that is celebrated in community with others. Parishioners can still keep this relationship alive, even when services aren’t being held, he said.
Hisham Assal of the Islamic Society of San Luis Obispo County also said faith can help in trying times — and parents can use current challenges to teach that lesson to their children.
“We’ll do everything in our power, and the rest is in God’s hands,” he said.
The Mosque of Nasreen is no longer holding services, but it is open at certain times for prayer, Assal said. Leaders are making sure to limit the number of worshipers present, he said.
The mosque also plans to hold study groups online, and leaders are encouraging communication within the community, Assad said.
“This is a situation that shows us it’s God who actually keeps us safe and protects us,” he said. “We have to put our faith in him.”
Rabbi Janice Mehring of Congregation Ohr Tzafon in Atascadero said her synagogue is live-streaming Shabbat services starting on March 20. Mehring is also planning to hold bar and bat mitzvah classes online.
She’s even considering holding a virtual Passover seder in April and offering special food deliveries during that time.
Mehring said the shelter-at-home order made members of her congregation feel especially nervous, and she’s trying to help people keep their fear from turning into panic.
“What I’m really seeing is these groups, community groups, are really coming together to support each other,” she said.
This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "‘We are still the church.’ How SLO County congregations are coping with coronavirus."
