After Governor Newsom ordered a stop to indoor church services in early May due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, some local churches resorted to outdoor services with smaller gatherings while larger churches have gone online.
One All Church, previously Christ’s Church of the Valley in San Dimas, Lead Executive Pastor Dan Borgen explained, “the reason we are not meeting right now is because we want to be like Jesus.
“We do not want to be an epicenter for spreading the disease,” he said. “For a church our size it would be difficult to have limited services outside— some smaller churches are able to meet outside, and we are glad that they do, but because of the size of our church we believe that our best option is at home.”
Hacienda Heights resident Rebecca Yee spoke out about the benefits of outdoor services and how she, her family and her faith are dealing with the process.
“It was a struggle praying alone and it really showed me how dependent my faith was upon the fellowship of the church,” Yee said.
Glendora Community Church and Cornerstone Church are regularly holding outdoor services and mass on Sundays.
Joy De Vries, a volunteer and attendee at the Glendora Community Church was able to provide some information about the structure and times of the services which are held at 6 p.m. Sundays. The pastor for the church is Mike Platter.
“Outdoor services began in May with social distancing and masks being advised,” De Vries said.
“When services outdoors began the attendance was full, but now (that) the heat has increased, attendance has dwindled down a bit,” she said. “Tape markers have been put in place to designate social distancing and people are also advised to bring extra chairs just in case.”
Cornerstone Church, located off Glendora Avenue and Whitcomb Street in Glendora, has been a staple in the community since 1913. Sheri Pine, church attendee and San Dimas resident, was able to provide more information regarding the outdoor services.
Cornerstone Church started outdoor services in late August. Cornerstone has added a large patio area in the parking lot with a huge industrial tarp creating shade for church members. The Christian church is led by Pastor Bruce French.
“People were asked to bring their own chairs, masks and practice social distancing,” Pine said. ”Services are held at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.”
