CLAY COUNTY – Many churches in the area have moved nearly exclusively online for the time being as a result of the coronavirus.

As the coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread through the states, churches in Clay County are doing their part in the community to flatten the curve. As social gatherings get replaced by social distancing, congregations in Clay County will be getting their Sunday morning praise and worship through livestreams.

“This is not a decision we have made lightly or out of fear, but in faith for two primary reasons,” Church of Eleven22 Pastor Joby Martin said in a statement. “[One], honoring the authority of our governing officials who have urged caution around large group gatherings and [two], desiring to care well for those in our community and church family as we all navigate this challenging season.”

Martin said the church is excited to seize the opportunity to livestream services, which is already done every Sunday, and “use technology in a positive way, reducing our spiritual distance with each other and the Lord.” All official Eleven22 events, gatherings and classes scheduled through March 18 were canceled. Off-campus disciple groups, however, were still on and able to meet at the discretion of each group.

Russell Baptist Church held its regular Sunday worship last week but asked nobody to offer food or drinks in Sunday School classes. Sunday night services have been canceled indefinitely, Pastor Patrick Martin said. He asked that if anyone feels sick or is already immune-deficient, that they stay home.

“And for goodness sakes, wash your hands,” Martin said. “Sing through the first stanza of ‘Amazing Grace’ and keep washing until you get to the end. That’s roughly 20 seconds, which the CDC says is necessary to kill germs.”

Hibernia Baptist Church held three worship services the last Sunday, but held no study groups, preschool ministry, children ministry or foundations. The church also canceled all regularly scheduled weekday activities that were set to take place on site.

The church already livestreams its 9:30 a.m. and 10:58 a.m. services and will continue to do so, encouraging those who feel sick or are immune-deficient to get their Sunday worship in online rather than at the church.

Lake Asbury Baptist Church livestreamed its services last Sunday and encouraged in-house attendees to sit with ample distance between each other. It also asked members to refrain from shaking hands and hugging.