INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Marion County is taking another big step in reopening, ready to start Stage 3 on the Indiana Back on Track plan.
This weekend, houses of worship can open at 50 percent capacity with no limits on outdoor services.
Members at Glenns Valley Church are cleaning and remodeling the building on the southern border of Indianapolis, anxious to come back inside for Sunday services.
"There's something about Jesus being in our midst,” said Sandy McCloskey, who co-pastors Glenns Valley Church with her husband. “The Bible says that he is where two or three are gathered in His name. And so, when you gather for worship the power of God comes in a different way than it does when we worship alone."
But despite the blessing of the mayor to reopen, this Indy congregation will continue drive-in services in front of the church. At the request of the United Methodist Bishop, Glenns Valley Church is holding off on its first services back in the sanctuary until June 14. Even then, the 50 percent capacity limit will still keep some people outside the stained glass windows.
"That is a very heartbreaking thing to ask a pastor,” McCloskey said. “But yes, it's true. At this point, for the safety sake of our people we are going to be limited, praying and looking for the day when we can open it back up to full capacity."
Gyms and fitness centers in Indianapolis can reopen Monday.
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis says eight Marion centers will welcome back members at 5:00 a.m. Monday, including the YMCA at the Athenaeum, Avondale Meadows YMCA, Baxter YMCA, Benjamin Harrison YMCA, Irsay Family YMCA, Jordan YMCA, OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA and the Ransburg YMCA.
The YMCA at the City Market will remain closed at this time, in alignment with anticipated demand. Members are invited to use 11 other locations, including two larger downtown Ys.
But Orangetheory Fitness downtown might need a little more time to reopen, now that owner Katie Douglas finally has a firm target date.
"It takes some training for our staff and then again training of the members, so we're getting our game plan,” said Douglas, a former Indiana Fever professional WNBA player. “For me, it's fun because it's like the fourth quarter. It's game time."
Social distancing requires major modifications from the closeness of the regular fitness classes that combine rowing machines, treadmills and weight stations tightly packed together.
"It will be a little bit different,” admits Douglas. “But I think it's what we have to deal with. It's not just gyms. Every business is going through this, trying to figure out the best way to continue to operate a business but to keep people safe."