In-person church services at the Melfort Salvation Army will return this Sunday. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Back to service

Melfort Salvation Army Church to return to in-person worship

Mar 12, 2021 | 1:22 PM

Worship services at the Melfort Salvation Army Church will return to in-person services this Sunday.

As of March 19, the government says worship services will allow up to 30 per cent of capacity or 150 people, whichever is the lesser.

Captain Rick Robins told northeastNOW services have been offered only on a virtual basis since November but will now be open to having 30 people in attendance.

“With the new guidelines, it will only give us 33 people so that actually won’t make much of a difference,” Robins said.

Those wishing to attend will need to pre-register for a seat at 306-752-3525 and services will continue to be offered virtually as well. The virtual option has been very beneficial according to Robins.

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“It is good for shut-ins and those that are not able to come and we also have a number of people from out of town that tune is as well,” Robins said.

If there was a need for two services, Robins said they would be open to doing that.

With in-person Easter services being cancelled last year, the loosening of restrictions is very welcome ahead of Easter.

“The only thing we aren’t able to do is to meet over a meal as we have done in the past with a potluck and such, but we will be able to see each other so that part is great,” Robins said. “Some people haven’t seen each other in months so it will be good to talk to them in-person.”

This Sunday’s service takes place at 11 a.m., Easter celebration details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“There is something about the gathering together. We are not meant to be alone, so it is good to be able to meet again and not be alone,” Robins said.

Over the past year, there have been a lot more volunteers that have stepped forward to lend a hand at the Salvation Army.

“The volunteers are the army behind the army in the salvation army,” Robins said. “They are the ones that help to keep the wheels continuing to turn and we are so grateful.”

Robins said the pandemic has forced many organizations to change the way they do things rather than putting a full stop to things, such as ministry.

“We found that some of the new stuff works very well so even when COVID is over, I think we can use those to help us grow,” Robins said.

A children’s Sunday School/Bible study program is in the works at the Salvation Army Church as well. The program will begin on a virtual basis and then move to in-person when it is safe to do so.

“We are excited for what it will do for us here at the church, as well as for the community,” Robins said. “We want to be able to reach out to more families in the community through the program.”

The income tax program is running again through the Salvation Army this year. Information can be found at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser