Pandemic Puts A Hold On Church Services

St. John Church of God In Christ Resumes In-Person Services After Two Years

After more than two years of closing the doors to churches due to the COVID-19 pandemic, congregations are finally being reunited.

Saint John Church of God in Christ, located on Chicago’s south side, recently reopened its doors after being closed since March 2020.

Returning for first and third Sundays each month, Saint John leaders have made the transition back to in-person services gradual for the congregation.

Churchgoers worshipped during an in-person Sunday church service. / Cierra Lemott

During the church’s closure, service was held virtually via phone, Zoom, Facebook and other platforms.

“It was a bit of a learning curve to convert from in-person to virtual church,” said Darneese Taylor, First Lady and church administrator.

First Lady Darneese Taylor speaking to the church congregation. / Cierra Lemott

Previous to the pandemic, Saint John wasn’t holding virtual church. The transition to virtual services became their only option following the closures from COVID-19.

Pastor John A. Taylor preaching during an in-person Sunday church service. / Cierra Lemott

“Everything was new, something we weren’t used to,” said John Taylor, pastor of Saint John.

The conversion to virtual services came with many obstacles and setbacks that made it difficult to maintain and improve. Regardless, the members of Saint John continued to support the decisions made by the pastor, first lady and other authoritative figures.

“When we first started to go live and everything again, we had to deal with challenges with the internet strength, with streaming content, making sure our streams were not blotchy, making sure that our reach was appropriate,” said Brittany Bogan, minister of music and member of the church’s media team.

Brittany Bogan and Deacon Johnny Edwards singing during an in-person Sunday service. / Cierra Lemott

The church media team consists of six members who are all responsible for managing the social media pages and production on different platforms. Their role became especially important during the conversion to virtual services.

“We were active before the pandemic but we were not as active as we were during the pandemic,” said Bogan. “We sort of activated even more because of the pandemic.”

Though the congregation was upset to no longer have in-person church, some used that time to better themselves and build a stronger connection to God.

“This is like a new beginning to me,” said Iona Edwards, who aids with holy communion, Sunday school services, and the finance department and has been attending the church for 20 years.

Gloria Starling and Iona Edwards folding a sheeting during Holy Communion. / Cierra Lemott

Edwards used the pandemic as a time to evolve spiritually and look within to improve herself.

“I said to myself and prayed that once I get back into church, things will not be the same,” Edwards said. “My attitude that I had before the pandemic, I’m not bringing it when I get back to church,” said Edwards.

Upon returning to the physical church, extra measures had to be taken to ensure that everyone entering the building remained safe and healthy.

“We were taking temperatures, we had to direction to come in one way, we had to figure all that out and come back to the church,” said Lady Taylor.

Things are still uncertain due to the pandemic. It’s essential for the church to continue to adapt to the obstacles they’re facing to not only have in-person service but to do so in a way that keeps everyone safe.