Starkville church reopens with safety practices in place

First United Methodist Church in Starkville is reopening for in-person worship this Sunday.

The second time during the pandemic..

Wtvas nicole dantzler is live with how in-person worship will be different this time around.

This weekend members of the first united methodist church in starkville can attend service inside the sanctuary..

The pastor said theres some changes in place to keep everyone safe.

To resume services."

"we want people to have a spiritual experience but safety is important at the same time."

Pastor genesse said the first united methodist church will open its doors to the congregation this sunday..

But in order to keep everyone protected from the coronavirus there's a few changes that members should look out for.

"masks are required for all participants and we have hand sanitizer at all the doors."

Jim genesse- senior pastor, fumc 0: pastor genesse said visitors must enter the church in a single file line through this door before service.

When visitors come in they should follow the social distancing markers on the floor and on the pews.

"the ushers will come in and escort them out, so we have a controlled traffic flow for pedestrians."

But this isn't the first time that the church has opened during the pandemic..

Pastor genesse said they opened up back in june, but because the coronavirus cases began to spike statewide they closed down.

"our bishop of the mississippi annual conference requested the united methodist churches to stop services for the time being in recognition of that.

So we closed down and now we have the opportunity to resume services."

The services will begin at 8:40 and 11 a-m sunday morning.

Visitors will enter on lampkin street.

Live in starkville nicole dantzler wtva nine news.