Santa Barbara County churches make the move back into their buildings

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Church is finally back in the building.

With Santa Barbara County’s move into the state’s red reopening tier last week, places of worship are allowed to open indoors with modifications. 

At Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara, pastor Tommy Schneider was thankful to preach indoors. 

“Being face-to-face, even though we’re masked, allows there to be a connection,” Schneider said.

For many members of the church, this was a long-awaited welcome back home. 

“To actually physically be in the building and see people’s smiles,” Calvary member Laura Barnes said. “I’ve missed it so much.”

To keep everyone safe, the church sat people in every other row to maintain physical distancing.

The service was also limited to 25% of the auditorium’s 1,000 seat capacity (roughly 250 people were in attendance).

“We only put our cushions six-feet apart and limited the amount of places people could sit,” Schneider said

High-touch areas were disinfected between each service. 

“We have hand sanitation stations throughout,” Calvary associate pastor Ray Navarro said. “We also have directional areas in which they enter and leave the building.”

While most chose to worship from inside, people also had the option to tune in from their cars or sit safely outdoors. 

“We’re really just trying to create spaces for everyone to feel comfortable,” Schneider said. “Whatever level they’re at.”

“We’re giving them opportunity both inside and outside to come hear our message in-person and feel safe about it,” Navarro said.

Although the Sunday services were far from normal, it helped answered some people’s prayers.

“To be able to sing together and find that connection, it’s healing beyond what we truly understand,” Schneider concluded.

Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara will continue streaming its services online for those unable to attend in person.