Dozens of churchgoers gathered in the parking lot across from their usual meeting place at the First Baptist Church in Mineola on Sunday, March 29, practicing social distancing while singing from their vehicles, led by an amplified praise team at Peterson Park.

(Monitor photo by Sam Major)

Dozens of churchgoers gathered in the parking lot across from their usual meeting place at the First Baptist Church in Mineola on Sunday, March 29, practicing social distancing while singing from their vehicles, led by an amplified praise team at Peterson Park.

(Monitor photo by Sam Major)

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Despite the limitations to social gaterhings, citizens are finding ways to worship together and celebrate Easter.

Most churches have suspended their activities and meetings through the end of April but are streaming sermons online and on social media. 

In an effort to have some normalcy and a common element of Easter Sunday, Mineola First Baptist Church will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together through its streamed service.

“We are following Judge Hebron’s leadership and not having a drive-in church service, but wanted to do something that would still unite us even if it’s from our own homes,” said Pastor Phillip Casper.

It is offering pre-packaged elements at the church office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. during the week for members to pick up or encouraging those who tune into the service to have their own bread and juice.

Mineola First United Methodist Church will offer services through Facebook Live at 8:30 and 10:50 a.m. and then deliver Easter bags to assisted living and senior apartments.

Families aren’t gathering with their extended family but are making the most of the holiday with small Easter egg hunts and big Easter dinners.

Some have bought new outfits online and are determined to still take Easter family photos while others are spending their day camping and on the lake.

There will still be Easter Sunday services throughout the Quitman area. Several churches have taken heed to city, county, state and federal guidelines concerning social distancing. Many are having online and Facebook Live services. Lake Fork Baptist is adding a unique worship experience.

Faith Baptist Church Pastor Mike Midkiff urged members and all others to join the church online Sunday. In a Facebook post the pastor stated, “The suspension of all services and activities at Faith Baptist Church will continue until May 4, 2020. Faith Baptist will continue to have an online service each Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. via Facebook Live on the church’s Facebook page.” 

First United Methodist Church Quitman and Liberty Methodist are having online services. For information and services go to www.fumcquitman.org. For service information at Church on the Rock go to www.cotrquitman.com. Living Waters Fellowship just east of Quitman on FM 2088 will be having Facebook Live opportunities to worship beginning at 10:30 a.m.

First Assembly of God Quitman on East Goode Street in Quitman has been streaming live on Facebook as has Wood County Cowboy Church and Spur On Ministries. First Baptist Church of Alba has asked members and visitors to stay tuned to their website at www.fbcalba.com for sermons and weekly updates.

Lake Fork Baptist Church is having two drive-in Easter services. They are splitting members between two services. Those with last names starting with A through M will attend the 9 a.m. service with last names starting N through Z will attend the 11 a.m. service. Everyone is asked to please stay in their cars so everyone will stay healthy and safe. Worship music and the sermon will be broadcast through an outdoor sound system. Those attending are strongly urged to follow physical distancing parameters. Guests are invited to either service.