CHURCH congregations across Keighley have found creative ways of continuing to worship during lockdown.

When buildings were closed in March, it was the first time such a large-scale shutdown had taken place.

But measures such as online services have actually seen a rise in worshippers participating in activities.

A Keighley Churches Together spokesman said: “The closure of all places of worship was an unprecedented course of action but it also led to some creative and innovative ways of continuing to worship God.

“Churches have seen some amazing responses and attendance has increased through the online services.

“Online discipleship courses were hardly available before Covid and yet in the first few weeks, one such course – Alpha – saw 17,000 sessions being run across England.”

Churches were given the go-ahead to reopen in July and although services have taken on a different look, many buildings are welcoming visitors again.

“Congregation members have returned yet naturally in a time of a pandemic people are still afraid,” said the spokesman. “The churches look slightly different. Seats are separated or pews blocked out. Gel and face coverings are a requirement. But as a body of Christ we can come back together.”

Services include:

Anglican – Daily morning prayer 7.30pm and Compline prayer 10pm. Visit facebook.com/keighleyparishyorkshire; St Mark’s, Utley – Wednesday 10am-11am, Sunday 6pm-7.30pm, second Sunday of the month 3pm family fun service; Keighley Shared Church – 10.30am-11.45am (also available online at youtube.com/channel/UCUCJZawvv-E12evtSjBIN7A/playlists), Thursday evening Grubs Up service; All Saints’ Church – 10.30am-11.30am at youtube.com/channel/UC984emxFJ2X8YkX-YLnV11Q, Communion service at 5pm; St Barnabas – 10am-11am; St John’s, Ingrow – 11am-noon; Airedale Methodist Circuit – contact the church for details of online services; St Anne’s and St Joseph’s – contact the churches for service details; Quakers – 10.30am-11.10am; Church of the Nazarene – Facebook page for South Leeds Church of the Nazarene at 10.30am or Hall Green Baptist Church at 10.30am; All Nations Church – 11am-noon.