Many churches across western Connecticut avoided in-person services on Sunday because of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

Pastor Charlie Stallworth of East End Baptist Tabernacle told parishioners on social media this week that he would hold Sunday services online.

Many of the parishioners watched the service on Facebook Live.

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Despite that message, some parishioners still showed up to worship at the church.

Stallworth, who is also a state representative, says the idea is to keep people from assembling as a public safety measure during this global health crisis.

Stallworth said it is a historic milestone that the religious community is turning to social media as a way of practicing social distancing.

"We must continue to engage in safe worship and not use God as a cloak to make unwise decisions," Stallworth said.