During this time of social distancing and self-quarantines, local churches are thinking outside the box to figure out how to deliver their worship services and Bible studies.

Some churches in Warren County are still meeting on Sunday, but with stricter guidelines and precautions for gathering together. Northside Baptist Church pastor Michael Carr said, “We are meeting Sunday for the morning service. Our congregation is small enough that we can practice social distancing by increasing the space between folks in the sanctuary. We will have sanitizers ready for everyone and doors won’t have to be touched because we will have someone holding them open.” 

Carr added, “Gathering is essential to nurturing us spiritually and physically. We are mindful of the situation. If you don’t feel well stay home until you are asymptomatic. Newcomers are welcome, but don’t be offended if we don’t shake your hand or give a hug.”

Other churches are using technology to their advantage to deliver their sermons and messages to their congregations and beyond. Westwood Church of Christ minister Richard O’Connor is pre-recording services so members can watch at their leisure online.

O’Connor said, “We are not meeting because we want to cooperate with flattening out the curve. Love your neighbor as yourself. We are trying to be good citizens. Through technology we are grateful for the opportunity to get the word out. We’re still a church. Maybe people will see Christ in us. I encourage everyone in continuing to worship.” 

Westwood Church of Christ youth minister Travis Byrd is continuing weekly Bible studies by livestreaming on the church’s youth group Instagram account. Byrd said, “Monday night you can go to ‘westwoodyg’ and see the live stream. This is for anyone who would like to participate.”

First Baptist Church is also capitalizing on technology to help members of the congregation continue to keep spirituality in mind.

“We have been doing videos for years and planned on launching the livestream soon, but sped up the process due to the extenuating circumstances,” said First Baptist senior pastor Dr. Jeff Owens.

There will only be a handful of folks in the sanctuary Sunday to help assist with the live broadcast, Owens said. All programs and congregating is on hold for now. First Baptist has social media sites to view all their videos and streamed messages. 

“This is a reminder to us all how our homebound members here at the church and in our community feel all the time with social distancing,” said Owens. “We can come through this by being mindful and reaching out to those who need help. In trying times we discover we can do our best work. Neighbors looking out for one another are so important and we have that here. We’ll get through this becoming closer and having a stronger faith.”

Rev. Ben Randall at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is doing both, meeting and livestreaming on YouTube. 

“We will have Sunday worship so we can gather in the lord’s house and we will have sermons on our YouTube channel,” said Randall.

Hiawassee Church of Christ in Morrison will remain open to members for Sunday Bible class at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Church member William Dillard said, “We are looking at the restrictions and recommendations that have been issued by the state. We are still meeting Sundays, but if the restrictions change so will we. Some members are not attending at the moment due to fear of being close together.”

Check with your church via phone or social media platforms to keep updated with future plans.