Coronavirus leads to empty churches on Easter Sunday

With stay-at-home orders in place, Easter looked very different this year for churches around the Triangle.

Pastors still preached their Easter sermons, but church pews sat empty. These changes were all a part of the social distancing efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh aired a live virtual sermon but chose to stream music from a service in 2018.

At World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, leaders also replayed the Easter Service from last year. Senior Pastor Andy Thompson says his traditionally lively service felt different. "For me personally, it's challenging. In a sense, everyone is getting to see me, but I don't get to see everybody," Thompson said.

While the adjustment was necessary, Thompson is hopeful next Easter will be a normal one. "It's going to be amazing when we're able to have service together again," he said.

Until then, communities will work to stay connected virtually.