Churches adjust to limit group size

By Kathy Thomson

Several local churches have changed or cancelled upcoming services and events due to the government’s request that everyone try to limit the spread of COVID19.

The Feed Store has suspended all group activities, including Tuesday lunches, Monday nights for high school, Tuesday nights for junior high, Saturday morning girls Bible study, and the girls retreat that had been planned for this weekend. 

Wednesday night activities have been cancelled at the Albany Church of Christ, First Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, and Moran First Baptist Church.

First Methodist Church has also cancelled their Wednesday night youth and children’s activities, but they currently plan to meet for the adult Bible study on Wednesday evening.

Trinity Lutheran Church cancelled Wednesday night supper, but will still have Lenten service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church has postponed their fundraising fish fry, which had been scheduled for this Friday, March 20.

As of press time on Tuesday, the only Albany church that had changed their plans for the Sunday morning service was First Baptist.

“We will not have a regular service on Sunday in order to comply with the request to limit groups to under 50,” said minister Jeff Turner. “Instead we will live stream a service on our Facebook page at 10:45 a.m.”

Lutheran pastor Tom Chandler asked those who attend service to please respect distancing to protect themselves and others. 

“We understand if they need to stay home to keep safe, especially if they are in a high risk category,” he added.