Tyler churches face decisions regarding group worship amid coronavirus concerns

Published 10:54 am Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Tyler Churches are facing the challenges of how or if to conduct worship at a time when health officials are encouraging people to avoid groups as a way to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Worship and Bible study are times when many people gather for an extended period.

Many congregations are posting information about how they are responding to these challenges.

Some Tyler churches have suspended on-site services and are encouraging its members to worship at home or view taped services.

Green Acres Baptist Church has suspended worship services.

“Instead, we will offer our worship via live online streaming only,” The Rev. David Dykes, the pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church, said in a message the congregation’s 4,000-plus members.

Green Acres is providing daily video updates to keep congregation members informed.

“What a great opportunity God has given us to speak life and truth into our society during a time when there is so much fear and anxiety. God has called us to the challenge of transforming lives with the truth of Jesus,” he said. “While we will be doing church differently over the next few weeks, more than ever, we will be the church.”

Marvin United Methodist Church has suspended all programming and worship through March.

“We deeply regret having to make this decision but we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution,” said a statement released by the church.

The announcement encourages people to watch worship services posted on its Facebook page and website.

Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler has suspended all public masses in the diocese, including mass on Sundays and “holy days of obligation.”

In his decree, Strickland said it is his responsibility “to show concern and act with humanity and the charity of Christ toward all those entrusted to my care as bishop of Tyler.”

Strickland is encouraging those in the Catholic faith to continue to worship “by taking time to pray together as a household.”

He said that for the time being weddings will not be held in the diocese’s buildings and that attendance to funerals will be restricted.

First Presbyterian Church Tyler has temporarily suspended all activities, including worship services.

“This decision was not taken lightly, but was made in the best interest of our members and our community,” said a statement on its website.

The statement noted that infected people might not show any signs but could still spread the virus.

First Baptist Church in Tyler has suspended services and outreach ministries, including its Tyler Family Assistance Center.

“We are doing this as part of a united effort to serve our community and nation, to assist our medical professionals, and to serve and protect one another,” the Rev. Pike Wisner said in his message to the congregation.

Wisner used his message to offer words of encouragement.

“These uncertain times are great times to share the goodness and good news of Jesus. … We will provide information we receive regarding how best to provide assistance and love our neighbors. This is temporary! We trust that this outbreak will soon be in hand and we will gather again for worship, Bible study, fellowship and prayer as we are called to do.”