Many southeastern Wisconsin churches cancel Sunday services



GLENDALE (WITI) -- Several churches across southeastern Wisconsin chose to cancel Sunday morning services on December 22nd due to the threatening winter weather. Significant snowfall had many churches concerned for parishioners' safety.

"This is probably one of the worst days I've been outside in Milwaukee," said one resident.

Some worshippers were grateful to be close enough to open churches to make it to Sunday's services.

"We only had a couple miles to come so we all got in the can and trudged our way up here. It took us a little extra time but we were able to make it okay," said Jon Koch, attending St. John's Lutheran Church. "I'm sure for people that are farther away it's considerably more difficult."

Pastor Thomas Schmitt says he would have considered cancelling services but saw the success of the snow plows before making that call.

"By the time services came there were already lots of cars in the parking lot so figured might as well just go ahead," said Pastor Schmitt. "They had us plowed out so well that there was just no reason to call it off."

The pastor estimates about 40% of his congregation made it to Sunday's early services, but says he was more than happy with the turnout.