Easter Sunday: Churches make safety preparations for in-person gatherings

This weekend people will pack churches for Easter services.

With COVID-19 restrictions relaxing, people feel more comfortable attending services in person – but church leaders say they're still being very cautious.

Hayes Barton Baptist Church wants a safe Easter Sunday gathering, so they plan to host 500 people for an outdoor service, including masks and social distancing, at Enloe High School.

According to Pastor David Hailey, it's important for people to be together on the highest and holiest Day of the Christian year.

Apparently, it's important to his congregation as well: The service is already maxed out with all 500 slots full for Easter Sunday.

The church has taken a very cautious, gradual approach in bringing people back. They feel holding services outside is the best option to accommodate as many people as they can.

"How unfortunate would it be for someone to come to Easter Sunday Service and declare that Christ has risen he has risen indeed and then go home and get sick with COVID," he said. "We don’t want that to happen."

Everyone that is attending will be required to wear a mask, and there will be social distancing.

While the in-person service is at max capacity, Hayes Barton Baptist Church will be streaming the Easter Sunday service on FOX 50.