AS CHURCHES make preparations for almost back-to-normal services following the easing of government restrictions on public gatherings, set to take effect today, one pastor is urging caution, declaring that his congregation will not be heading back to church in a hurry.

An informal survey of places of worship by The Gleaner yesterday found a number in various stages of preparation, stocking up on hand sanitisers, mapping and measuring to ensure social distancing is observed and training staff in the use of temperature guns.

The Webster Memorial United Church in Half-Way Tree is ramping up preparation but its pastor, Astor Carlyle, advised that, “We as a congregation have taken a decision that we will not open until the 31st of May.

“I have thermometers, sanitisers and we’re going to be doing a trial run on Sunday, so we’re going to see how it works and we will be starting at 9:30 a.m.,” he explained while giving The Gleaner a tour of the church ahead of tomorrow’s service when Pastor Father Walter Dorsey will be on hand to lead Mass.

A major concern for Pastor Laing will be ensuring that the church manages the number of people in attendance, even as he acknowledged that the building is spacious enough to accommodate 130-150 persons.