Newington Baptist Church, Gloucester, had a “soft reopening” for in-person worship gatherings this past Sunday for those who were ready to return, according to a release from the church.

The church followed a number of new restrictions to ensure the health and safety of its congregation. Those restrictions included limiting attendance to 50 percent of the church’s seating capacity and making masks mandatory.

The church provided masks to those who did not bring one and offered gloves to those who wanted to wear them. The church also set up hand-sanitizer stations for people to use upon entry and exit.

Signs reminding people of the new rules were posted on the entrance doors and read, “All who enter are asked to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands upon entrance, respect of others through the practice of social distancing, and use of a mask.”

The church seats approximately 110 people with the 50 percent capacity rule but just 58 people were in attendance this week. Pastor ...