Orrington Church To Move Sunday Services Outside

Calvary Chapel in Orrington leaders had planned to defy the governor and hold Sunday services inside the building, but will now hold them outside due to capacity restrictions.

A lawsuit was filed, on behalf of the church, requesting a temporary restraining order to protect Pastor Ken Graves and the congregation from being charged for holding indoor services. Graves said he disagreed with the Governor's ban on in-person worship, calling it a violation of 'God's law.' He had been holding drive-up services, which is allowed under the executive order, with parishioners staying in their vehicles while he gave his sermon from a balcony overlooking the parking lot. Attendees could also listen to the sermon on the church's radio station.

But,on Thursday, Pastor Graves posted on the church's Facebook page that Sunday's services will be held on the front lawn. The change came about after it was pointed out that the church would be in violation of capacity limitations currently being followed by retail outlets around the state. Under those restrictions, the church would only be allowed to have 15 people inside the 10,000 square foot building.

So now, the services at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m. at the Route 15 church will be held outside, in front of the main building. Graves says they will set up chairs and provide sound through the radio station. Parishioners will have the choice of sitting on chairs outside or staying in their vehicles.

When asked about the lawsuit earlier this week, Governor Mills said that, while faith and worship are important, we have to change the way we do things when in the middle of a health crises.