About 200 people gathered to worship Sunday at Word of Life Church in Hempfield at a time when most other churches either canceled or livestreamed services and when government officials are urging gatherings of 10 or more people to be halted.

Senior Pastor Tom Walters said he understands other churches’ decision to close their doors or livestream their events. However, he told his congregation the nation’s reaction to coronavirus “could possibly be, disguised in everything else, a direct attack on the church.”

Walters devoted his sermon to coronavirus and justifying the church’s decision to stay open.

“There are a lot of people that are criticizing us, but the bizarre thing is, most of them don’t go to our church,” he told his congregation.

He compared the numbers of deaths caused by coronavirus in the United States — more than 300 as of Saturday evening — to deaths from car crashes (about 36,000 a year), the flu (between 23,000 and 60,000 this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control) and the number of abortions (more than 600,000 a year, according to the CDC).

“The world doesn’t care about that,” Walters said in his sermon. “All they’re saying is, ‘Shut your doors to the church, lock your doors in fear, and shut your mouth about faith.’ ”

Gov. Tom Wolf has urged religious leaders to exercise discretion but has not ordered them to cancel services. If such an order comes, Word of Life will abide by it, Walters said. In the meantime, he plans to stay open.

“We want to stand in the gap for (people), because there are so many who are bound in fear,” he said in an interview Sunday.

Church staff told those coming in that Sunday’s event was not a “service” and urged them to practice social distancing by not shaking hands or hugging others.

However, Sunday morning featured all the elements of a usual church service. Attendees sang along to worship songs, listened to exhortations from several pastors and bowed their heads in prayer.

Walters said the service was different from normal because of its added focus on worship and prayer. Church leaders prayed for medical workers, first responders, politicians and others grappling with the pandemic. They urged those in attendance to help those in need, rather than hoarding groceries and essential supplies.

Word of Life usually has two services every Sunday, each attended by about 400 adults and numerous children, Walters said. On Sunday, there was a single service, attended by about 200 people, and children’s church was canceled.

The church also livestreamed the service and did not ask anyone to attend, Walters said. Anyone who feels ill or uncomfortable attending should stay home, he added.

He greeted those who came up to him after the service with handshakes and hugs.

Those who attended Sunday’s service said faith and church were more important than their fear of coronavirus.

“We just want to come and be normal,” said one woman, who asked not to be named.

Attendees said they will pray for the country during the crisis.

“We came here to pray and join in whatever service they’re having,” said Dan Pipes of Hempfield.

“I think they need God more in this country,” said Pipes’ wife, Vivian.

Another woman who asked to not be named quoted the book of Isaiah: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

“I just think it’s a shame that (other churches’) doors have to close,” she said.

Walters said he had faith that God would protect Word of Life from coronavirus.

“If there’s one person in this place, or two people, three people, perhaps, who may be carrying the coronavirus, we declare you’re healed in Jesus’ name. Hallelujah,” he said over the claps and cheers of his congregation.

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