MURPHYSBORO (WSIL) -- Despite restrictions on indoor services for churches in Illinois beginning to ease, one local church says it's still too soon to take the chance.
Instead, Bishop Lawrence Nolan with the Servants for Christ Outreach Ministries says his congregation plans on taking advantage of the nice weather.
Not only will the church be streaming its service online but they'll worship outside at Kinkaid Lake tomorrow.
"Right now it is crucial we're kind of taking it one step at a time along with our governor," he Nolan says. "Whatever he puts out there, we will allow ourselves to commit to."
Previously, the state mandated that indoor services be limited to 10 or fewer people. However, Governor JB Pritzker made an this week with new guidelines.
While Pritzker still suggests that indoor services only allow 10 or fewer people, there's been an ease on restrictions on places of worship where the 10-person limit cannot be followed.
In that case, the state recommends social distancing and capacity limits at 25% of the congregation or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.
However, the Illinois Department of Public Health says outdoor services are still preferred over indoor because they are safer.
That's why Nolan says they want to do the outside service this Sunday and keep the tradition going until its safe to be back together in person.
"It is crucial for us as a church as an entity to not jump ahead of what's going on," the bishop explains. "Because as the end of the day, we do not want to infect others by coming back too quick."
Nolan believes soaking up the sun a great perk to holding praise outside as well as being able to incorporate their surroundings at Kinkaid Lake into his message.
"One thing we all have in common is that we cannot live without water," he adds. "So we'll be preaching about how God is the source of life."
In addition to the service at Kinkaid Lake tomorrow, the church has its sights on Bald Knob Cross next week.
For more information call (618) 565-5058.
