NewsLocal News

Actions

Hundreds gather at Pismo Beach for worship event put on by musician Sean Feucht

Posted at 10:48 PM, Aug 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-22 02:09:27-04

Hundreds gathered a Pismo Beach on Aug. 21 as part of musician Sean Feucht's "Let Us Worship" movement across the country.

The missionary began the movement this summer when the pandemic hit, holding concert rallies to protest the governor's order preventing churches from holding indoor services.

“Well I think this is a really unique season right now in America. You know we have this pandemic, we have racial strife, we have an election year so things are crazy so I think probably one of the most powerful things we can do is gather together and worship," Feucht said.

Feucht has traveled to San Diego, Sacramento, and Frenso to share his movement. He also held a rally in Seattle in early August, where thousands where in attendance and many not wearing masks.

“You can be physically distance without being socially distant, so we’ve been trying our best to stay in touch with people by phone, social media, stuff like that but there’s nothing like being together like a group of believers like we are now," Oasis Church Pastor John Frady said.

Churches in the county are still under county guidelines that prohibit indoor services.

Pismo Beach Police said they were monitoring the event, but expected a peaceful and safe assembly.

Event organizers said police were not fully supportive of the event, but they were able to make it happen grassroots style.

Masks and hand sanitizer were available for those who wanted protection against COVID-19, but most attendees seemed to enjoy the gathering without worrying about the pandemic.

“Yes, a lot of people are not, that’s a choice, and I’m cool with their choice, they understand the risk, and I’m doing what I want to do," Visalia resident Dennis Kemp said.

Some, more concerned about the pandemic than others.

“I don’t really have a concern, I know God has his hand over this whole thing so I don’t think there’s a worry," Grover Beach resident Christian Koppen said.

Dozens took part in an opportunity for baptism at Friday's event, many submerging themselves in the ocean.

“Community in this time has been kind of hard just with the isolation and COVID and everything so it’s really cool to see so many people gathered together to worship Jesus," Julie Koppen said.

Many say Friday's movement was simple -- a night under the sun and time to come together as a church community, to face so much uncertainty in the world.