‘Just hold on’: Churches adapt to new reality

As social distancing becomes the norm and the law for the foreseeable future, local churches have had to find alternative ways to gather their congregations.

Elder Carolyn Smith, senior pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church in Appalachia, has taken her church’s services online. “We decided, after the 10 or less order was given, that we would use teleconference,” said Smith.

She also stated that her church uses Facebook Live and Facebook Messenger for church services and Tuesday night Bible study. “There is no physical contact with any person that way,” she stated.

Smith also explained that the church has a message board that members utilize for announcements and words of encouragement.

Online broadcasting isn’t new for the Macedonia Baptist Church congregation. According to Smith, church member Shelly Harris has been broadcasting the church’s services for at least eight months. However, it’s different now.

“It’s hard because you want to see people,” said Smith. “You want to touch them, hug them. That’s a big part of the church service and now we can’t do that. We are adapting and following the laws of the land as required of us.”

As far as the community, Smith stated that she and Assistant Pastor Stephen Williams have been doing outreach by phone and assisting the needy by mail and CashApp.

“We use CashApp a lot,” Smith said. “People are still able to pay their tithes and give their offering. They are still able to contribute in that way.”

She once again emphasized the importance of face-to-face interaction, stating that the teleconference is helpful. “We can see each other’s faces instead of just hearing voices.”

As far as her advice to the community, Smith said, “The first thing we have to do is trust God, and the second is to take precaution to protect yourself and others.”

Reverend Sandra Jones of Williams Chapel A.M.E. Zion in Big Stone Gap had similar thoughts. “Hold on, be encouraged, encourage others,” said Jones. “I just want people to do the right thing. If they ask you to stay in, do it. If not, you are endangering other people. Think of others.”

Hanna Jones and David Goodman of Williams Chapel streamed a praise and worship singing this past Sunday. Jones stated that plans to do it again next week are cancelled since the shelter-in-place order came from Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday. She may, however, record a service from her home.

“We are not having active church service,” said Jones. “We are communicating through conference calls, text messages and Facebook.”

Jones stated that she is also working on a bulletin to mail out to members. “Psalm Sunday is coming up. The bulletin will have information on that and Holy Week.”

Jones said she believed it was important that her congregation had something they could hold in their hands instead of reading it on Facebook.

“With a small congregation, you can do this,” said Jones. “I sent everyone individual words of encouragement and I try to keep in touch at least twice a week.”

Of the virus, Jones stated that this is something she has never imagined. “Just hold on,” she said. “I know that there are people out there that are very afraid. I know what it’s like to be afraid, and I’m not afraid now. Just hold on.”