Todays News

Church leaders joyous over Easter services

Easter celebrations were far from normal a year ago and will be a little different again this year, but many church leaders in Marshalltown are ecstatic about welcoming people for Easter service once again.

In the last year, churches have had to adapt to allow for social distancing. Some which weren't already streaming services online began doing so. For others there were services people could attend while staying in their cars.

But 2020 Easter Sunday was one of the first holidays when everything was done differently, if at all, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. State mandates called for a halt to large gatherings in hopes of slowing the virus' spread.

Spring's renewal may be marking a return to the familiar for many churches.

"We're at least meeting together again," said Rev. Kerry Jech, pastor at New Hope Christian. "I noticed this last weekend some of our people are starting to come back again. Last year we didn't have any services other than online."

New Hope Christian will hold three services at the Plaza 9 theater on Easter morning. One service will be masks only. For the other two, masks can be removed when seated but must be worn in the theater lobby.

Journey Church will have mask only and mask optional sections. Rev. Jacob Rahrig said they will also practice social distancing.

Rev. Jeff Kodis at First United Methodist said his church will continue doing in-person and online services.

"It's about half and half in terms of whether people choose to tune in online or come in person," he said. "It's a huge blessing to be able to have some people."

Center Street Baptist will hold one service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. It will also be streamed live on its Facebook page. Linda Bailey, administrative assistant at Center Street Baptist, said even though Gov. Kim Reynolds lifted mask requirements; they are still asking people who attend to wear masks and social distance.

"Right now we're going by what the mayor has suggested -- out of respect for those who might be a little more compromised," she said.

Complimentary masks will be provided at the service for those who need them.

"We're large enough and our pews are designated for spacing things out, so it's pretty apparent where people can sit and make it a socially distanced environment," Bailey said. "We are trying to provide a safe environment for worshipping."

First United Church of Christ will have a service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Rick Bachman does not intend to stop doing in-person services again after having them stopped earlier in the pandemic.

"I am more adamant now than I have ever been. We stay open," Bachman said. "We're going to be here because people need us."

"Talking to a mental health expert, they've seen an increase in suicide and depression in the last 12 months unlike anything they've ever seen," he continued. "The church is a unique opportunity to speak to those distinct people who are hurting or feeling lost. I firmly believe that we have something people need."

Several pastors said there are many people who have not returned to the church since the pandemic started. Some are starting to return but they are unsure if it will ever be truly back to normal.

"There may be some people we never see come back for whatever reason," Jech said. "It's been a good time for everybody in the last year to reflect on our lives. What are our real priorities? What are some things maybe I should let go of? The church has gone through that same self evaluation."

Bachman is aware of at least eight churches not reopening. The financial impact of shutting down is one of the factors that caused them to shutter permanently. In other cases, people have sought a new church while they wait for their church to open again. Some have chosen his church.

"If we can be there for them, hallelujah," Bachman said. "We will do some social distancing. We will use the masks. We will take reasonable precautions. Church is spiritually important and emotionally important. We are trying to do our best."

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Contact Joe Fisher at

fisher@timesrepublican.com.