Some Dougherty County churches to reopen for Sunday service

ALBANY, Ga. – Places of worship are beginning to reopen. In Albany, churches have been preparing for weeks as many will have in person service Sunday. Victory Tabernacle of Albany is expecting 75-100 people for their Sunday service.

“It’s been a challenge, this has been an unprecedented time,” says Pastor Eddie Adams.

Pastor Eddie Adams says a majority of Victory Tabernacle of Albany members will be occupying church pews for the first time in months.

“They are not kind of beating down the doors to get back in but they trust the guidance and direction that we’re taking.”

Adams says that to ensure the safety of worshippers and staff, Victory of Albany is opening with consideration to CDC guidelines.

“It’s not going to be the same, there will be differences.”

Differences like signage, tape, and hand sanitizer. 

“We’re following all the CDC guidelines for sanitation, cleaning, social distance.”

And Adam’s hopes reopening the church brings back a sense of normalicy for members. Although the church’s services were available for viewing online throughout the pandemic, Adams says there’s nothing like connecting face to face.

“Everybody is excited, I think, to get back on campus.”

But Adams predicts it will take some time for people to feel confident in returning to unperson service.

“As we reopen and as other churches reopen and people understand that we have their health, their safety, their best interest in mind that they will begin to feel more comfortable in coming and so that’s kind of been our focus here.” 

If participating in church services this weekend, be sure to mask up and avoid the temptation to hug, kiss or touch in any way.