So Far, Most Churches Not Canceling Services

After Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged churches across the Commonwealth to cancel services for the foreseeable future to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, many area churches have not complied - at least not yet. 

Beshear's request was made in his Wednesday update on the virus, which the World Health Organization had declared a pandemic by afternoon.

Beshear has also closed state prisons to visitors and said non-essential out-of-state travel has been suspended for state employees. He's recommending that businesses do the same. On Tuesday, Beshear announced visitation restrictions at state-run nursing homes. 

Todd Gray of the Kentucky Baptist Convention wrote a response article for Kentucky Today, saying most church leaders will take the request seriously and consult their leadership, but will likely continue with services as planned. 

Locally, Reidland Baptist Church announced on Facebook that they were canceling their services on Wednesday and Sunday. 

After some consideration, Christian Fellowship Church in Draffenville announced that they would have only one brief service at 10 am Sunday, and would cancel their 3 pm, "Gathering," service. They also said they would suspend visits to nursing homes and jails. 

Other churches, while planning to meet, said they were taking extra care to thoroughly clean their facilities. They all told West Kentucky Star the same thing: if you feel sick of don't feel safe attending, stay home. 

Rev. Joey Reed of Mayfield First United Methodist Church told West Kentucky Star all of their normal ministries and services will still take place.  

Reed said, "The only one we're looking at real closely is the Easter Egg Hunt, because that's a lot of hands on a lot of different items that could be passing some things around. But we're gonna wait and see, and not make any calls on that just yet."

Reed reminded members that if they don't want to take Holy Communion, that's OK. He said they won't be taking Communion to nursing homes because of visitor restrictions, but would contact shut-ins to learn if they want a visit.

In Paducah, Heartland Church, First Baptist Church, Twelve Oaks Baptist Church and Broadway Church of Christ said they are having normal services. Calls to several other churches were not returned.

Most churches who spoke to West Kentucky Star use local TV, radio, or live-stream their services for members who don't attend. Others create online video that could be seen in a day or two. 

See our related article for a list of churches that have canceled upcoming services.

If you are in leadership at a church that is altering their schedule due to the coronovirus, let us know by emailing news@wkyx.com or by calling 270-444-6397.