Salem United Methodist Church, Diggs, reopened its doors to in-person services on July 5, two weeks after the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church entered Stage II of its reopening plan.

According to a release from Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, changes in Stage II include:

—Persons of any age in good health may now serve as volunteers;

—There are now no set age limitations on children attending worship. Parents are asked to determine if their child can abide by the requirements such as distancing and wearing of face coverings. We invite parents to sit near the exits of the worship space in case they need to leave the service quickly;

—Baptisms may be offered during Stage II using a recommended protocol referenced in the Technical Assistance Manual;

—In-person gatherings of 50 or fewer may take place on site if churches develop and submit a plan to the District Superintendent using the requirements in the Technical Assistance Manual, and

—New attachments on outdoor worship and limited childcare during worship are included in the Technical Assistance Manual.

Masks are still required for Stage II, along with the weekly completion of the Health Acknowledgment Form. Congregants must also register to attend services.

According to Salem’s website, attendees must let the church know at least four days in advance if they plan to attend worship. This is so the church can set up the seating to allow for social distancing. Attendees can either register electronically or call 804-684-1370.

Though children of any age are allowed to attend services, Pastor Bertina Westley of Salem said that her son is the only child who has attended so far.

Before the pandemic, Salem would have anywhere between 70-90 people attend its Sunday worship service. For the past three weeks, Salem has seen an average of 18 people in its in-person services.

“We’re much smaller than we have been,” said Westley.

Though there will be no singing allowed for VAUMC churches in Stage II, the churches are allowed to have music. Salem’s organist has been playing anthem songs and familiar hymns so people can hum along or silently reflect.

Westley said that she is glad for the opportunity for the church to come under one roof and worship the Lord.
Service begins at 10:50 a.m. every Sunday. Contact the church office at 804-725-5862 if you have any questions regarding the limited in-person service.