REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.— The first Sunday service was held at the Epworth United Methodist Church since Gov. John Carney announced a statewide mask mandate on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
The Universal Indoor Mask Mandate provides religious exemption, but administrators at the Epworth United Methodist are requiring masks in their church.
Pastor Bo Gordy-Stith says 30 percent of church members worship in-person, but that 70 percent watch online, but has allowed the church to socially distance, while still retaining a large part of its audience.
His wife and Lead Pastor of the Epworth United Methodist Church, Vicky Gordy-Stith, says
"We have not gotten the pushback that I thought we'd might. Some of my colleagues, they couldn't say that masks are required, they can only say they are strongly recommended," she said.
The Epworth United Methodist Church has required masks since reopening at limited capacity in March of 2021, and plans to continue until COVID-19 cases drop by a considerable amount.
To worship online, visit the Epworth United Methodist Church Facebook page, or their website.
To donate to the Epworth United Methodist Church, visit https://www.epworth.com/pages/give.