I was truly believing we were all coming together to quell this coronavirus. I was seeing less traffic and more people heeding the advice of our officials and our medical professionals. Then, the news that 200 people congregated together at Word of Life Church on March 22 (“About 200 attend Hempfield’s Word of Life Church amid coronavirus shutdown”) My heart sank.
My first thought was all of them had more than likely added a shopping trip to their outing. Some of them may still be essential employees and working daily in our community. What in the world were you people thinking? I am sure I know members that were in attendance, as this is a small town, and that hurts me even more.
Do I accept your apology, Pastor Tom (“Hempfield church pastor apologizes for open services on Sunday”)? Absolutely not. Your followers say “he is a good guy, such a nice guy.” Maybe, but “careless” is the word I use. I think of what we said as children: “Sorry doesn’t help now!” The chaos you and your attendees may cause in our community could be devastating. We will know shortly. I think daily of the harm that may have been caused, and it brings me to tears.
Please go out and spread the word, not the virus.
Mary Beth Giron Weyant
Hempfield