Feb. 17. As Lent gets under way, some churches are making plans to go back to in-person worship, while others are continuing to meet in their sanctuaries and parking lots, or online.

In addition to online, Mt. Zion United Methodist plans to resume in-person worship on Feb. 28 with services at 9 am and 11 am.

First Baptist’s Sunday services are at 11 am in person, and on Facebook Live.

Grace Covenant is already meeting in person at 9:15 am and 11 am; no Lenten services are planned.

Torrence Chapel AME Zion is continuing to live stream Sunday services at noon via the church’s Facebook page.

Community in Christ Lutheran Church will continue its parking lot services, with pre-recorded Lenten services on Facebook and YouTube each Wednesday at 5 pm.

Pew research, literally

Planning how to worship is no small undertaking during the pandemic.

BEERY

According to a Pew Research study, about 75 percent of white adults who regularly attend religious services are “very” or “somewhat” confident they could safely attend in-person services right now at their regular house of worship without spreading or catching the coronavirus. Fifty percent of both Black and Hispanic Americans who are similarly observant express such confidence.

Metrics count

“We are hopeful that improving metrics across the state as well as the distribution of the vaccine will lead to more in-person, indoor options,” said Rev. Michael Beery, co-pastor of Community in Christ Lutheran.

“Because the virus is ultimately what is determining what we are/are not doing, it is difficult to put any timetable on a shift in our current practices,” he explained.

The outdoor option will be continuing for the foreseeable future.

Easter is on April 4 this year, with Holy Week beginning Sunday March 28.