Let there be lights: Area churches prepare for regular weekend services despite outages

As power is restored to more locations across Ashland, Holmes and Wayne counties following Monday's storm, many are planning for normal weekend activities, including area churches.

Those lucky enough to have power are planning to host regular Sunday services as long as the power stays on. For others that are powered by generators or have no power, plans to host outdoor services are being considered as an option.

Still no power: Stores, gas stations stock up on essentials to help community get through power outage

Moreland Church plans regular service this weekend

After getting the power restored Thursday, the Moreland United Methodist Church is planning to have its normal service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, church secretary Brenda McIntyre said.

According to a post on the church Facebook page, the building has minor damage to the shingles and siding and a large tree near the church was uprooted during the storm. The tree has been removed and some repairs may be needed around the property.

McIntyre said she was happy the power has returned since she does not have any electricity back at home, other than a generator powering a few things. The estimation she's been given for her power to return is 4 p.m. Saturday, but McIntyre said she doesn't mind.

"We have a friend of ours (who) brought us a generator," McIntyre said. "So we're able to run a refrigerator and a couple of fans and I said, 'You know what? This too shall pass.'"

No power? No problem!: Ways to stay cool, be safe and save the food in the fridge

St. John's Church of Millersburg pastor shares advice during storm recovery

The Rev. Sara Charlton said her church in Millersburg had to get creative sharing the word with their members at St. John's about what they were seeing happening.

Text messages, Facebook posts and phone call chains have helped get the word out that Sunday service is a go, Charlton said, which is something she heard other churches also are doing.

Although her house near the back part of the property has some damage, Charlton said, there was no major damage to the church building itself.

With power restored at her church, Charlton said, they are planning to hold services as normal, and noted some churches were considering hosting services outside if power isn't restored in time.

Charlton advises people to reach out to their pastors and fellow church members or check social media to see what their church plans as the situation has been changing by the hour.

And she reminds those who are still without power to have patience and faith.

"I was driving around last night and I saw God's hand in all of this and that many homes were protected," Charlton said. "So, be patient. Things will return to normal and thank God it wasn't worse."

Reach Rachel Karas at rkaras@gannett.com   

On Twitter: @RachelKaras3 

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Church services planned around power outages in Wayne, Holmes, Ashland