Dimapur, April 8 (MExN): The bells of the church steeple still ring out and the building still stands, but in these unprecedented times, churches across Nagaland have taken a series of measures like suspending public gatherings and worships to curb the spread of the COVID-19.
As Easter Sunday looms close, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council on Wednesday made a call to every family to conduct Sunrise Services in their own homes on April 12.
“Though we will not be able to congregate to conduct public Sunrise Service, we are calling upon every family to come out of their homes from 4:50 – 5:40 am to have family Sunrise Service in their own compound,” NBCC General Secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho stated in a press release. This can be on the porch, yard, terrace, garden or any place outside of their home but not outside the compound, he added.
Meanwhile, meaningful messages and other creative arrangements are being prepared for families to have meaningful worship and family time together, it said, while adding that these will be sent out soon.
Stating that people have adjusted themselves well despite many inconveniences, Rev Keyho expressed hope that the sunrise service will bring people closer to God. “This is not a ritualistic program but to proclaim His salvation and proclaim to the world that we are thankful and grateful for the salvation he has brought to us through the birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” he said.
