Worship centers adapt to closing indoor operations

Butte County is now on the watchlist, forcing local worship centers to adjust how they hold services.

Will not be allowed to gather inside this coming sunday -- our christina vitale shows us what some local groups are doing -- to keep the faith.

Me: the pastor here tells me some of the changes their church is going to see next week include the programs that were held inside the worship center will now be moved outside on campus.

Senior pastor bryan meters: we can't have anyone in our buildings for any public purpose governor gavin newsom adding butte county to the watch list wednesday -- ordering places of worship to close all indoor operations& so what does this mean for the grace community church in chico?

Meyers: we've been forced in every way to move things outdoors senior pastor bryan meyers says they have a sunday service outdoors and broadcast online for people to watch from home.

Meyers:we don't want people to feel socially distanced we do set up that way it actually creates a 8 foot gap between households meyers says they encourage people to wear face coverings and work to create a safe comfortable environment -- which he says is so important for people right now meyers: we need to trust that people are trying to put their best foot forward i think people need to understand that's true of the church that we're really trying to serve and love our community well we're not trying to assert our rights we're really trying to love and meet people where they are and meet their spiritual needs that are very real that honestly no one else can unless they're in a work environment me: i spoke with the city of chico's code enforcement they lack resources to cite churches that continue indoor service they tell me they're going to take the educational approach if there is a complaint they'll be able to provide face masks and hand sanitizer and encourage compliance within the community.

Reporting in chico christina vitale action news now coverage you can count on the church will now hold its celebrate recovery program outside on thursdays at 6 p.m.

The new restrictions for places of worship go into effect on saturday july 25th and remain in place until the state takes further action.## about 100 new