Churches Embrace Outdoor Worship During Pandemic

By Joey Butler, photos by Mike DuBose
Aug. 20, 2020 | GULF SHORES, Ala. (UM News) 

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires social distancing and vigorous cleaning, churches must weigh whether to continue only worshipping online or reopening buildings in limited capacities. Others have begun to move outside.

At Foley United Methodist Church in Foley, Alabama, outdoor worship has been the norm for decades. Since 1951, the church has hosted a Galilean Beach Service for members and vacationing guests every Sunday morning from Mother’s Day to Labor Day.

The Rev. Nolan Donald, lead pastor, calls the beach setting “God’s greatest sanctuary.”

“This is one of the most evangelistic things we get to do. You get people who aren’t regulars or who have moved away from church and you get a chance to help them hear a message,” he said. Read more>