3 Palatine churches given OK to use loudspeakers outside
Three Palatine churches have village approval to use loudspeakers for outdoor services this summer, and permission for others could be on the way.
Village council members this week granted waivers from a local sound amplification law to Thrive Vineyard Church and First United Methodist Church, paving the way for the outdoor worship. The council approved a similar waiver a couple of weeks ago for Christ Lutheran Church.
All services must comply with state guidelines, according to village documents. To expedite any future requests, the council gave Village Manager Reid Ottesen authority to grant approvals without going before the elected officials.
"We've had some inquiries (from churches), but I think we'll get some more formal requests to do it as they try to figure out how to navigate the waters with opening back up," Ottesen said.
Thrive has permission to use the lawn at 845 E. Glencoe St. through September. Starting July 5 via a registration process, the outdoor services will be for groups of 50 at 8:30 and 9:45 a.m., with a public-address system to accommodate a guitarist, singer and teacher.
First United Methodist at 123 N. Plum Grove Road may hold occasional weekend services on the lawn also through September. The church plans to have a small amplifier for music and preaching.
Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, intends to host worshippers for occasional Sunday services on the south or west lawns through September
"In the past, we have provided this casual worship experience for our congregation and village residents with no objection or complaints," Christ Lutheran music director Vera Wisniewski wrote in a letter to Palatine officials. "We hope to do so again."
Taking a different approach, Immanuel Lutheran Church at 200 N. Plum Grove Road in Palatine held drive-in worship on May 31. For Father's Day last Sunday, the church offered drive-through Communion.