Some Jefferson City churches return to in-person services

Revel Catering held a Mother's Day Brunch with a curbside pickup Sunday. From left Cotton Walker picks up food from owners Johnny and Lori Graham. Lori, third from left, hands to-go bags to Stella Crane, 10, and mom D'arcy Crane.
Revel Catering held a Mother's Day Brunch with a curbside pickup Sunday. From left Cotton Walker picks up food from owners Johnny and Lori Graham. Lori, third from left, hands to-go bags to Stella Crane, 10, and mom D'arcy Crane.

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Mother's Day took a different look this year, with social distancing guidelines still in effect, but the day saw the reopening of in-person church services and a continuation of businesses adapting.

Many Jefferson City churches returned to in-person worship after weeks of live-streaming only on Sundays.

One church, Solid Rock Christian Church, continued recorded services today, but with a special Mothers Day-themed service.

Pastor Joe Skiles said motherhood has changed over the past 30-40 years, with more single mothers, adoptive mothers and even women who "mother" people at church in the nursery who have never been biological mothers.

"It's just a special day," he said. "Scriptures have always honored mothers. We felt it was important to have a services just geared to the moms."

The church recorded its Mothers Day service at The Millbottom. It plans to continue online services through the month, then re-evaluate that, depending on health recommendations.

"Our motto from the beginning was to stay calm, stay connected and be compliant," Skiles said.

"I loved the (Mothers Day) service," said Stacy Pond, one of three executive pastors at Solid Rock. "I love to listen to Pastor Skiles, and I love that he talks to every demographic, every diversity and just makes it special for all moms."

She said Skiles talked about how moms "are just always there," from working jobs to home-schooling and other duties.

Pond is a mother of four, ranging in age from 11-21.

"You just don't realize the sacrifices moms make on a daily basis for their children, and you have so many single moms who are doing double duty," she said. "Moms are pretty special."

Also on Sunday, Revel Catering continued its move to themed curbside pickup meals from its location at 102 E. High St.

Our business as we knew it is totally gone," said owner Johnny Graham, who has cooked for stars such as Keith Richards, Bruce Willis and Aerosmith. "We lost 100 percent of our business after March 14 so we had to figure out some way to stay afloat here."

Graham said he had many inquiries from customers about meals, so the business has shifted from large catered events to curbside pickup for now. This week, it is offering authentic creole gumbo on Friday, chicken tikka masala Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Orders can be made by signing up for Revel's email list at reveljcmo.com.

Cotton Walker was among more than 200 customers picking up meals Sunday morning, saying he was taking a Mother's Day meal to his aunt. He also celebrated Mother's Day meals with his mom as well as his mother-in-law.

"Always happy to support the local businesses," he said. "I have not had the pleasure of Johnny feeding me Mother's Day brunch before. Of course, we love his cooking."