Pam Dudding Contributing writer
This a continuation of last week’s article. Churches in Craig are continuing to offer services in ways which they believe are best for their congregation and visitors.
- The New Castle Christian Church, located at 282 Salem Ave., pastored by Sheldon Cosma, is having Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., with communion at each, and is on Facebook live at 9 a.m.
“Our leaders have followed the mandates of the state CDC guidelines since the beginning. So, currently we are mandating the wearing of masks. (Though some do remove them once they are seated because we are able to maintain social distancing.) We are doing our best to make wise decisions to protect the safety of everyone involved and to show the love of Christ through all we do,” Cosma said.
He added, “It is a small discomfort to overcome to be able to participate in worship together. We know that God is on His throne and working His magnanimous plans through all of this. I am sure that there are some take-aways that God would want us to apply to our lives and some shifting of priorities that he wants to see. I hope that we do not miss any of them.” You may contact the New Castle Christian Church at (540) 864-5212, by email newcastlechurch@gmail.com or by visiting nc-cc.org.
- St. John’s Catholic Church, on Route 615, is having virtual masses on Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10 by Father Steve McNalley. They are also live on Facebook. For more information, call (540) 864-8686 or email stjohnnewcastle@tds.net.
- Grace Baptist Church located at 159 Old Railroad Avenue is having Sunday morning service at 10. Currently they cannot offer Sunday school or nursery. They do ask that everyone enter through the upstairs doors. You may contact them via Facebook or by calling (540) 864-8251.
- Grace Assembly of God at 5530 Catawba Valley Drive has changed their services due to the increased risk of COVID-19. “We have decided to continue outside services for the next several weeks. We desire to continue ministry in the safest possible way for all our constituents,” Pastor Loraine Taylor said. Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. You can stay in your car and listen through the FM transmitter or bring your chair and social distance outside in a comfortable spot. Also, you can watch on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. For more information call (540) 384-7075 or email Pastor Taylor at agladypastor@msn.com.
“These are tough times we are living in for many people and people need people,” many local pastors expressed. “Open the door of your heart and come to a church service. Allow Jesus Christ to calm the storm for you or help you to calm that storm in you.”
