The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced most people to change the way they interact with others at work, at school and at play, and houses of worship are no different.
Worship leaders in Terrebonne and Lafourche say attendance at services is down physically, but virtual outreach has brought in new members, even from outside of Louisiana.
Many of those leaders say congregations have supported one another both emotionally and spiritually in the safest ways they can and have grown closer as a result.
The Rev. John Cox, of University Baptist Church in Thibodaux, said members of his congregation have found creative ways to retain the social interactions that were made difficult or impossible during the pandemic.
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Friends, family and fellow musicians bid Thibodaux performer a final farewell
Gary Clement, 71, a native of Thibodaux, spent over 50 years as a musician and songwriter, touring with famous musicians at notable locations such as the Apollo Theater in New York.
Colin Campo
Music blared as friends sang and told tales Saturday in memory of a departed giant of Thibodaux s music scene.
Gary Clement, 71, a native of Thibodaux, spent over 50 years as a musician and songwriter, touring with famous musicians at notable locations such as the Apollo Theater in New York.
He remained engaged with the local music scene until his death Jan. 15 from complications of COVID-19.
The chances of seeing Mardi Gras-style parades in Terrebonne and Lafourche in 2021 are currently somewhere between slim and none, but a few local folks are hoping to bring some of the color and pageantry of Carnival floats to their neighborhoods.
Nicole Marie, owner and operator of Facebook group Da Buzz, is holding a yard decorating competition called “Yardi Gras,” after seeing similar competitions being held in New Orleans on social media.
Mardi Gras krewes there have taken to decorating their houses to resemble parade floats, something Marie wants to see here. It’d be a great idea to develop something on Da Buzz and call it Yardi Gras,” Marie said. “I started having businesses call me and message me wanting to donate for first place and second and third prizes, and it just took off from there.”
Much of the joy of the holiday season has been dampened by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the company Christmas party is one of its casualties.
The traditional holiday gatherings have been severely curtailed, where they were not completely postponed, which has put a damper on both holiday cheer and the local economy.
Restaurants, many of which depend on holiday parties for a significant part of their yearly earnings, are feeling the pinch this holiday season as sales are down 30-40% in some places. Owners say they are doing okay, but they hope restrictions loosen up soon.
“We are really taking it on the chin,” said David Sonnier, owner of 531 Liberty Café in Houma. “Compare last year we did 19 Christmas parties, this year I had 12 scheduled and all but three cancelled.”