Written by Cassidy Stephenson
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) as restaurants, stores, schools, and churches close temporarily, Grace Lutheran Church of Clarksville, TN adapts to this sudden change.
Instead of suspending Sunday services like many other churches in the area, they are going to start putting on three services instead of their usual two at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. A third service will be added at 9:30 a.m. in place of Sunday School and Bible Study classes. They will also be adding a service on Tuesdays at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m., and Saturdays at 6 p.m.
Practices that they have put into place to help protect congregants from the COVID-19 disease is not participating in the shaking of hands for the passing of the peace and the offering plates will not be passed around but will be placed at the front, near the altar for people to give tithes. The chalice will still be given at communion because CDC has never found any credible evidence of the chalice transmitting disease, according to Grace Lutheran’s Facebook post regarding the matter.
Despite the numerous churches closing until further notice, even the church across the street from Grace Lutheran, Grace Lutheran Church stands firm that, “If it is safe to go to the grocery store, it is safe to go to Church.” However, no food will be served during coffee hour and no Soup and Bread before evening services. Easter Breakfast is canceled, but not the three Easter Services that have a usual attendance of 450 people, which is against CDC’s recommendation of no more than 50 people gathering at once.
Choir practice is still being held weekly with around 25 people. Grace Lutheran Church encourages people not to panic and to act as the people of faith and hope we are in Christ. When asked about the recent changes and Grace Lutheran refusing to close its door, congregant Caralee Harrison responded, “If you are feeling sick, please stay at home. Grace Lutheran has a large elderly population and people with compromised immune systems. While it is important to go to church, it is important not to spread the disease to those who can’t fight it off that well. There are many resources to watch other churches via live stream and I encourage people to take advantage of that.”
President of the LCMS church, Matthew Harrison, even stated that offering online substitutes for the church will be an action taken by some churches. However, Grace Lutheran has made no developments in regard to online services with an exception of a congregant audio recording a service.
