A Lincoln pastor encourages communication during COVID-19 quarantines

As the coronavirus forces many places to close their doors, including churches, some are wondering if the Freedom of Religion has been violated.

As the coronavirus forces many places to close their doors, including churches, some are wondering if the Freedom of Religion has been violated.
Channel 8 asked a Lincoln pastor his view on the matter.
“I personally do not I think that,” says Rick Lorimer, lead pastor at Christ Place Church. “Right now that we are taking the right kind of precautions.”
Lorimer says Christ Place was one of the first churches to switch to online services before it was recommended.
“I think I have people in our church that feel that way and I respect their opinion but I have not felt like someone is targeting me and my faith,” adds Lorimer. “As a church, we want to lead our community and recognize that this pandemic is a serious deal.”
The church started a compassion response team to reach out to the elderly, the most at risk for the virus.
“We want to be able to help them get the groceries they need so we’re providing free delivery service and I would love if they take advantage of that,” said Lorimer.
Christ Place has gotten more creative during the quarantine, using social media to keep members and the public connected to the main source.
Lorimer says it’s important that the streams are interactive.
“What we don’t want is people tuning in and treating it like a tv show,” said Lorimer. “We’d love for them to continue to let the faith gathering be a place of community a place where there’s interaction going back and forth.”
Bible studies, classes, and services are all online. Many are hosted by lead pastors and people can chat with them and ask for prayer.
For kids, the church provides online videos to keep children entertained and active at home. This is his word of encouragement to the public.
“We’re sharing with people and want people to know even if they’re not Christians,” says Lorimer. “Come and let us be a part of your life during this time. It’s nothing just to be a friend, no strings attached. Find people that you can connect with it never hurts to ask for prayer.”