Open Arms Church is taking its worship services outdoors this Sunday in Bradford and Port Allegany.

In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement Wednesday that indoor events and gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited, church leaders are hosting services at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at its lower parking lot at 1289 E. Main St., Foster Township, and 11 a.m. at the Port Allegany Town Square off of Main Street.

“Though churches are exempt from this order, we want you to be assured that your safety is valued highly to us,” said Open Arms Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher. “We will continue with an outdoor gathering plan, weather permitting, until further notice.”

Sunday is expected to be in the 80s and partly cloudy, so Hatcher said it should be a perfect day to worship together in the great outdoors, in the midst of His Creation.

“Be sure to bring a lawn chair and/or blanket, and join us for some engaging worship and an inspiring message,” she said.

At the Bradford location, the Children’s Ministry will also be held inside the church building, in the Children’s Ministry area, offering the preschool class (age 3-5) and nursery (ages 0-2) at this time. Check-in and check-out procedures remain the same.

Church leaders said they are asking everyone to wear a face mask while attending one of the worship services this Sunday in compliance with the Pennsylvania state mask order and for their safety. Everyone is also expected to maintain a six-foot distance from one another unless individuals live in the same household, Hatcher said.

At Bradford, drivers would park their vehicle in the lower lot, in the back row and side.

“You will be guided by our parking lot attendants and ushers. Chairs and blankets can be set up in the right front portion of that lot,” she said. “Restrooms will also be available for use inside the church, which will be cleaned between services.”

For those who have Covid-like symptoms, who are immunocompromised, or who feel more comfortable watching service at home, church leaders encourage them to join online at http://live.oachurch.com/ on Sunday morning.

“This new way of gathering is a great opportunity to invite your friends and family who may not have been comfortable joining us in the building to worship during this season,” Hatcher said. “We are praying that this gives us a new window of opportunity to reach our neighbors with His love.”

Those with questions relating to the outdoors service should contact Alex Davis, director of ministry operations, at alex@oachurch.com or 814-806-2301.