CORONAVIRUS: IMPORTANT UPDATES Updated 5/5/21

Amidst concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to let you know how Dixie Lee Baptist Church is responding. As information evolves, this page is the primary, most up-to-date place for you to receive answers to commonly asked questions. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for our church family and surrounding community.

If, as a member of DLBC, you or someone you know needs help or assistance during these difficult days, please contact your deacon or the church office.

 

IS DLBC GATHERING IN PERSON THIS SUNDAY?

Yes! Infection rates in Loudon and Knox counties have dropped. We will be gathering at 14650 Old Stage Road, Lenoir City, for in-person worship services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and we will be streaming the morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. via Facebook Live on our DLBC Facebook page. Holding two services will allow us to reduce seating, spread out in the worship center and maintain social distancing.
 
While we will not require the wearing of masks for attendance, the practice will be encouraged. We will continue the cleaning protocols used since our May 2020 restart. We encourage members and friends to join us and invite others.
 
Sunday Bible study groups have started back. Find out where and when your group is meeting by checking on our Bible Study page.
 
Find Dixie Lee Baptist Church’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DixieLeeBaptistChurch

 

IS DLBC GATHERING WEDNESDAY?

We will have no midweek activities on our campus until further notice. We will continue to evaluate the ever-changing situation and update this page.

 

ARE DLBC BUILDINGS OPEN ON WEEKDAYS?

No. At this time, DLBC buildings are closed to the public and all activities have either been cancelled or postponed. In addition, certain ministries in the church may decide not to meet at various times for various reasons. For more information on individual ministries and/or meetings, please contact your ministry leader and refer to our online calendar that is updated frequently by our administrative staff.

 

WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN PEOPLE TAKE?

We encourage everyone to take certain steps to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, flu and other illnesses, including:

• Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
• Wearing a mask.
• Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home if you are sick.
• Covering your cough or sneeze.
• Disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly.

 

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND SPIRITUALLY TO THE CORONAVIRUS?

The coronavirus is one more reminder that we live in a fallen world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. Ultimately, none of us are immune to any of these things. But that’s why the gospel is such good news. God has not left us alone in this world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. He has come to us in the person of Jesus. The greatest news in all the world is that Jesus lived a life with no sin, died on a cross to pay the price for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory over sin and death. Now anyone anywhere who turns from their sin and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of all their sin and restored to relationship with God forever. That means that through Jesus, we never have to fear sickness or death because we know we have eternal life with God.

If you do not know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to put your faith in Jesus. And if you do know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to share your faith in Jesus with others. Times like these remind us all of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. So let’s spread the greatest news that death has been defeated and eternal life is available to all who trust in Jesus.

In addition to trusting in Jesus and sharing about Jesus with others, here’s some other ways you can respond to the coronavirus:

• Trust in God as the good and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life upon whom we all depend.
• Pray for mercy for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for officials.
• Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated, marginalized, poor, or oppressed.
• Avoid every semblance of prejudice or racism. In light of the origination of this virus in Asia, it has been grievous to see a rise in racist incidents against the Asian community. We want every Asian-American (as well as Asians around the world) to feel and know the love of Christ. So just as we do in any circumstance, guard against all prejudice or racism in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.
• Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family. Gather with smaller groups as appropriate, and participate in worship gatherings online if that’s the only option.
• Continue to faithfully give financial offerings online or by mail so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more in the midst of difficult days.
• Reflect often on the brevity of life, the urgency of eternity, and the beauty of the gospel.