On Easter Sunday, the churches were empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic across the town, the state, nation and world.
But the message was the same as on a more normal Easter Day, said The Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche.
Heckmann has been pre-recording church services to post online during the ongoing pandemic. Three days before Easter this year, he walked into a dark church with only the organist accompaniment to record Easter service.
Heckmann said many church leaders have commented that this year might be, “the closest to the first Easter we will ever see.”
On that first Easter, two women stood at an empty tomb, he said. But the message remains that Jesus Christ has risen, he said.
“It was strange, probably that is the first word that comes to my mind. There was no one in the church,” Heckmann said.
“But Jesus is still risen. We can still celebrate. There were a lot of similarities to the first Easter, though the message is still the same.”
About 200 people would normally be in the pews on an Easter Sunday at the Okarche church, he said.
It was the same situation at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche nearby, as precautions continue due to coronavirus and buildings and offices and sanctuaries are closed.
Meanwhile, church members are continuing to find ways to help their communities in the pandemic.
Heckmann said members of St. John’s Lutheran Church are helping to run errands and deliver groceries, supplies or medications to residents who need help or who can’t get out because they may be more vulnerable.
Anyone who wants to volunteer to help with the services can call the Lutheran church office at (405) 263-7311.
