Most Kentucky churches were closed to in-person services at Easter after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear restricted all mass gatherings in mid-March in an effort to protect public health because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Just eight months later, several Hopkinsville worship centers will be hosting in-person Christmas-themed services, while following the stateâs 50% capacity and social distancing restrictions.
The Rev. Janet Carden, pastor of St. John United Methodist Church, said it was disheartening when the shutdown happened at Easter, a time when churches focus on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
âWe didnât feel like it was Easter,â she said. âWe decided right then that we were not going to let this happen again. Weâre going to celebrate as much as we possibly can within the limits.â