Rev. David Janz is the senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Butler. The church will be opening its doors for in-person services for the first time since November.

After being closed three months for COVID-19 concerns, Butler's First United Methodist Church is opening its doors for in-person services this weekend.

This reopening will be extended to Crossfire, which is part of First United and located four miles north of Butler on Route 8 in Center Township.

“Numbers of people infected with the virus are going down,” said Cindy Ford, director of communication for the church. “Restaurants have reopened, and though we don't strictly go by that, it's a good indicator.”

Services will be at First United at 200 E. North St. beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday and 11:15 a.m. Sunday, while Crossfire, 1802 N. Main St. Ext., will welcome congregation members at 7 p.m. Saturday and 9:45 a.m. Sunday.

The Rev. David Janz serves as senior pastor at both churches.

The last date both sites hosted services was Nov. 15. Since then, services have been held virtually.

“Generally, we got good feedback from doing things online,” said Ford, “but it's hard to maintain relationships when you can't actually see someone.”

During the first shutdown from April until July, First United installed filters that Ford said “combat any germs that are in the air.

“We feel it's a very safe space, but we don't know what the general public thinks.”

Social distancing will be enforced, meaning First Church will be allowed to admit 120 people and Crossfire 250 people.

All present will be required to wear masks. Both sites will be disinfected following each service.

“We will keep track of everyone who enters one of the services, take their name and contact information. If an issue comes up with the virus, we will commence with contact tracing, reach out to the people who need to know,” Ford said. “We will not release the name of anyone who has the virus, just let people know that someone who was at the service has tested positive. We will be very confidential in that respect.

“Even with the precautions that we need to take, it's still going to be nice to see people face to face. We're hoping people feel confident about coming back, but know there are those who still feel more comfortable staying at home. Our services will still be available online,” she said.

For more information, including virtual services, visit www.butlerfumc.com.