The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that California can no longer continue with a ban on indoor church services that were put in place by the state to fight the Covid pandemic. However, the Court said that for now, the state can keep in place restrictions on singing and chanting inside.
Seven congregations of the Cypress Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are grateful for this ruling.
Congregants have been worshiping from home, via Zoom, since last March when the stay-at-home orders were issued.
Globally, members were encouraged by Church President, Russell M. Nelson to increase gospel study in the home.
Nelson encouraged members with this counsel, “I pray that we as a people are using this unique time to grow spiritually. We are here on earth to be tested, to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ, to repent regularly, to learn, and to progress. Our spirits long to progress. Through it all, our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love us. They care for us. They and Their holy angels are watching over us. I know this is true.”
At the same time, authorization was given for worthy priesthood holders to administer the sacrament in their homes, and in the homes of those without priesthood holders in place.
Looking forward to a time when church services could resume, area regional representatives of the church put into place guidelines, by which local stakes could submit their plan for returning to church when it was allowed in their area.
Return to in-person services was allowed briefly for the Cypress Stake in October 2020.
Services went back to Zoom in November, after only five weeks, when the state placed all of Southern California in a purple restrictive status.
With the latest Supreme Court ruling, congregations will be returning to in-person services next Saturday.
All guidelines and precautions previously established will be in place; including but not limited to, wearing of face masks, congregations limited to capacity of 99 occupants, temperatures to be read prior to entering the building and seating will be limited to defined pews with members sitting with their immediate family. Singing of hymns as a congregation will not be allowed, but hymns will be played to enhance the worship service.
Members with health concerns or those who are not ready to attend in-person meetings, may continue to worship via Zoom broadcasts each week.
“We are ready to return to church,” said Crescent Ward Music Chairman, Kevin Rummler, last October. “Despite changes to the world, the light and truth of Christ remain the solid foundation, and there is no fear in love.”