In a time of covid-19, 2 Leechburg area churches among those taking services outdoors

Two Leechburg area churches are offering outdoor worship opportunities in response to covid-19 restrictions.

The Revs. Gary and Lisa Lyon, co-pastors at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg, added a monthly outdoor service in June. The 40-minute service is open to anyone.

Those attending are asked to bring a mask, portable chair and follow social distancing guidelines.

And don’t worry about dressing in your Sunday best.

“It’s casual,” Gary Lyon said. “I wear shorts.”

Those in attendance can expect traditional worship components such as music and singing, but held on the banks of the Kiski River, located on the grounds of the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department.

“Lisa and I have always felt a personal connection because outdoor worship can be so powerful,” Gary Lyon said.

The Cross Roads church, itself, is not open for worship.

“We started this because of covid-19 restrictions,” Lyon said, “and the original roots of worship was done all outdoors.”

Lisa Lyon noted the nature aspect brings a different element that one can’t experience during a traditional indoor service.

“There’s something about seeing the trees, river, listening to the birds chirping and the water flowing that helps people quiet their minds and bodies,” she said. “In that stillness they’re able to open up their hearts, become aware of their spiritual needs and ‘tune in’ to what God might be saying to them in those moments.”

Cross Roads parishioners Antoinette and Gary Cockroft of Leechburg said they’re thankful to have a worship alternative since covid-19 restrictions were enacted.

“Our church family can still connect, and we’ve had people attend who aren’t in the parish,” Antoinette Cockroft said. “The river has always been a part of Leechburg’s landscape.”

Gary Cockroft said seeing wildlife during the service is an added bonus.

“It’s quiet and I get to see ducks on the river and listen to the message,” he said. “It’s calming and a nice alternative right now to go to church somewhere, even if it’s not in a church building.”

Kiski Valley Community Church, located at 219 Market St. in Leechburg, added a covered tent outdoor worship/viewing area in response to covid-19.

Open to the public, the weekly Sunday indoor service at Kiski Valley is live-streamed outdoors, beginning at 10:30 a.m., for those gathering under the tent.

“We wanted to provide a safe place outdoors for people to gather and worship,” said Pastor Todd Pugh. “Anyone is welcome.”

Pugh said the tent will remain on the church grounds until the temperatures get too frigid.