Connecting to Christ During COVID-19: Chris Moore

April 5, 2020
By: Bill Conger

As people struggle to make sense of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic in our world, many are looking for answers from God. In this second part of our series, “Connecting to Christ During COVID-19,” we talked with Chris Moore, Pastor at Smithville Church of God.

Bill Conger: This is a period of uncertainty for a lot of people, and many people have a lot of worry and stress. What does the Bible say about what people should do when experiencing these trials?

Chris Moore: There is much to say about all the worry and stress that is being experienced in the world at this time. One of my favorite thoughts during this is that there is nothing wrong with being concerned as long as we are not ruled with fear. I believe we are all given a measure of faith that needs to be exercised with common sense—Having common sense with faith at our core with our actions. One of the things that has blown my mind is that just a few weeks ago (after the tornadoes that hit middle TN) we were giving away toilet paper and hand sanitizer to help others, and now people are fighting over it in the aisles. I love how John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Keep in mind this passage says “In Me (Jesus) we may have peace. Another scripture that speaks to me during this time is Matthew 6:31-34 ““Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” With this in mind I’ve always felt that if we will seek God first with our lives and not allow fear, or worry to control what or who we seek, the Lord will see us through.

Conger: Some people ask whether the virus is a plague or judgment from God. What does the Bible say?

Moore: First of all, I’d like to say that we are all sinners saved by the grace of God. I believe there are repercussions for our actions. I also believe that life is life. We have seen disease, sickness and pandemics since The Old Testament. It would be easy to say that the world is facing judgment and in turmoil due to the sin that we see all around us. I also believe we are seeing the signs of the times taking place right before us. Matthew 24 speaks of these times “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” Does that mean Jesus is coming back to earth tomorrow? He could….or it could be 20 years from now or next week. Scripture tells us no man knows, however I believe we should all repent live, and love like HE is coming back at any minute.

Conger: What can be said to people who may be angry and hurt and blame God for this issue?

Moore: This question is great coming off the last one! Don’t be angry at God; instead learn to draw near to him. I’m also thankful to say that we have a wonderful heavenly father who just like an earthly father knows that we get upset and question Him from time to time. He knows how we get lost or confused and upset. It’s also “ok” to talk with God about your anger and concerns. Instead of being angry, try and focus on prayer for those who are confronting this virus and pandemic head on! Pray for our leaders, doctors, nurses and health care workers. Those that are still going in every day and working retail. Imagine all the world crying to our Savior at the same time, what could happen?

Conger: What pastoral advice do you have for people dealing with the social isolation and the inability to fellowship at church during this time?

Moore: I have to admit as an extrovert and a pastor this social isolation is a pretty tough thing. As a pastor, I truly miss all the hugs and handshakes that I get from my people every Sunday. I am truly thankful for my family during this time. I have a wonderful wife and five beautiful kids, so I am far from isolated. Like many churches, we have online services available on Facebook and YouTube. I personally have seen a social media revival taking place and unity among the body of Christ like never before. It’s not very often that you will have a pastor ask you to join service from your home sitting on the couch. But this is the one time that I would encourage you to do so. Let’s listen to our leaders and take this time of social distancing serious. If we all cooperate, perhaps we can see an end of this crisis sooner. Think of this time as an amazing opportunity as well. I am one that truly encourages both personal and family devotion time. I believe it is truly an essential part of our walk with Christ. Take this time to open up the Bible with your family or even by yourself, pray, and cling to the word of God. If the weather is pretty, go for a walk and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

Conger: What are some practical ways we can love our neighbors in the midst of COVID-19?

Moore: I have a running joke with my congregation at the Smithville Church of God. If I see them with their cell phones out during service, I will poke them in the eye 😂😂😂. Let me be clear that I have never done that, and it is purely a joke! In truth, we live in a time of amazing technology. Technology, that in ways, some churches have pushed away. There is no better time to embrace these methods than now. A simple phone call, text message, FB post can go a long way during this time. (It doesn’t take long either). Showing someone you care, spreading love, help healing in our community I believe is truly at the heart of Christ.

Conger: What final word of encouragement would you offer to the person really struggling with fear today?

Moore: There are many powerful scriptures on fear. My 12-year-old daughter just did an incredible devotion on how we as people need to choose faith over fear during this time. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We focus a lot on that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but I would like to focus on the part of a sound mind. Sometimes we need to ask the question what am I flooding into my mind. Too often the things that we put in our mind will come out in our lives and our actions. I try to focus on the blessings of God more than the problems of man. Am I concerned about what we are living in? Absolutely! I am washing my hands about 50 times a day like every other American! I am using Lysol all the time (when I can find a bottle). We must learn to face the problem but focus on God! Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Find something worthy of putting in your mind, and give it your attention! We love our town! Together we can get through this! God bless.

You may watch the worship services on the Smithville Church of God Facebook page at 11:00 a.m. Sundays. They also will have youth and children sermons on that same page Wednesday nights at 7 o’clock.

(Editor’s note: If you have any questions that you would like us to ask the pastors, email billofwrites2@yahoo.com.)

April 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Fiddle Dee Dee on Broad again presents Fiddle Dee Dee on Broad Gospel Hour Sunday night, April 5 from 5-6 p.m.

The program airs once a month, on the first Sunday night of each month, from 5-6 p.m. featuring recorded local talent performing gospel music.

Sunday night’s program will showcase the music of the Dessa Ray and 4 The Lord.

Tune in the first Sunday night of each month for the Fiddle Dee Dee on Broad Gospel Hour from 5-6 p.m. on WJLE AM 1480/FM 101.7

WJLE is proud of our partner sponsors of religious programs each week and hopes you will tune in often and let them know you listen.

•Got A Minute?: 60 second message presented by the Smithville Church of Christ with Dan Gulley-Twice a day Monday-Friday each week (various times morning and around noon).

•Cross Connection sponsored by the Upper Helton Baptist Church featuring Jimmy Arms: Monday-Friday at 11:55 a.m. each week

•Morning Devotion: A 5 minute daily devotional by a different minister each week Monday-Saturday at 7:25 a.m.

The following are weekly sponsored Sunday programs:

•7:30 a.m.: Royce Moore of the New West Point Freewill Baptist Church (The Way of Life Ministry)

•8:00 a.m. Elders Joseph and Ricky Arnold for the New Bildad and Mount View Primitive Baptist Churches (The Firm Foundation)

•8:30 a.m. Outreach Baptist Church with Nathan Thomason (The Outreach Pulpit)

•9:00 a.m. The Keltonburg Missionary Baptist Church (Only Through the Blood)

•9:30 a.m. LOCAL NEWS

•9:35 a.m. Trent Colwell of the Smithville Church of the Nazarene (The Living Word)

•10:30 a.m. Bobby Thomason of the Covenant Baptist Church (Fountain of Faith Ministries)

•11:00 a.m. Worship Services from either the Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian (Isaac Gray) or Smithville First United Methodist (David Lunsford) Churches

•12:00 NOON: LOCAL NEWS

12:30 p.m.: House of Prayer with Zachariah Murphy

1:00 p.m.: Truth that Transforms with Aaron Wright

•1:30 p.m. The Preaching Ministry of Toy Lawson of the People’s Pentecostal Church

•2:30 p.m. Billy Hale of the Christ Pentecostal Church of Brush Creek (The King is Coming)

•3:00 p.m. Prophet James Ferrell of the Church of Jesus Christ (The Word of the Lord)

•4:00 p.m. LOCAL NEWS

•4:15 p.m. Royce Curtis of the People’s Missionary Baptist Church

•5:00 p.m. Fiddle Dee Dee on Broad Gospel Hour (1st Sunday)

•6:05 p.m. Gospel music sponsored by Cantrell’s Furniture and Appliances

•9:05 p.m. LOCAL NEWS

Listen each week on WJLE AM 1480 and WJLE FM 101.7 and LIVE Streaming at www.wjle.com.

April 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

COURTHOUSE AND COUNTY OFFICES TO BE CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY

The DeKalb County Courthouse and the County Complex County Offices will be closed Friday, April 10, 2020 in observance of Good Friday. The County Clerk’s office will also be closed Saturday, April 11, 2020.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING FOR APRIL CANCELED
The regular monthly meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education for Thursday, April 9 at the Ernest Ray Education Center has been canceled.

SMITHVILLE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN TO MEET
The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen will meet in regular monthly session Monday night, April 6 at 6 p.m. at city hall. The only item on the agenda is a status report on the current state of city operations both current and future due to COVID 19.

EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK CLOSED
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced it will close all 56 Tennessee state parks including Edgar Evins and state-owned state natural areas to the public effective April 4 through April 14, in support of Gov. Bill Lee’s Executive Order 23. This is a complete closure of facilities and access to all Tennessee State Parks and Designated State Natural Areas. “We decided to close the parks in support of Governor Lee’s Executive Order 23,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “The health and safety of Tennessee citizens is all of our top priority right now.” Tennessee State Parks officials will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.tnstateparks.com.

GOD’S FOOD PANTRY CLOSED
God’s Food Pantry at 430 East Broad Street, Smithville is closed. In order to assure adherence to CDC Corona Virus COVID-19 guidelines revised food giveaway procedures will be developed to protect both those served and the volunteers. These procedures need to take into account that several hundred people receive food on each of the twice a month scheduled pantry days. “Up to this point, persons have always entered the pantry for their food however, this is no longer viable given the number of persons served. In addition, limited outside space makes it difficult for vehicles to be lined up and loaded with food boxes. In consideration of these issues, a revised system might encompass assigning time slots alphabetically and over a different time frame. We are planning on having a revised system in place for the April 17th scheduled food pantry which will be announced,” said Pat Zornow. “It is important to note that volunteers are still available to provide food. We are asking persons who consider their situation an emergency to please call the pantry at 615-597-4540.and leave a message. Within the past week over 60 families have received emergency food boxes,” she added. “Thank you and we apologize for any inconvenience but everyone’s health is of utmost importance. Remember, call 615-597-4540 and leave a message if you need food now,” Zornow said.

COUNTY CLERK PUBLIC FORUM CANCELED
County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss was scheduled to host a public forum on April 9th at the county complex to provide information on available services but the meeting has been canceled.

GOSPEL SINGING FOR RELAY FOR LIFE
The Gospel Singing for Relay for Life scheduled for April 11 at the County Complex has been postponed until further notice.

SNOW HILL BAPTIST CHURCH FOOD MINISTRY TO BE HELD SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Snow Hill Baptist Church will have its food ministry on Sunday, April 5 at 4 p.m. as a drive through ONLY. Line up on the left side of the church.

HAVEN OF HOPE COUNSELING
Haven of Hope Counseling office is not open to the public at this time but is staffed to receive your phone calls and to make teletherapy appointments. Counselors are serving clients through a HIPPA compliant website. However, if the client does not have internet, they are talking with them by phone. They know there is a lot of stress related to the coronavirus and they are here to help. Please call 615-597-4673 if they can be of assistance.

NO TRASH PICKUP IN DOWELLTOWN ON SATURDAYS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Dowelltown Mayor Pam Redmon has announced that the City of Dowelltown will have no trash pickup on Saturdays until further notice. “Do not save your trash. When we resume, only 3 garbage bags per house will be picked up and cannot weigh over 30 pounds. Bags that are torn or not securely closed will not be picked up. We are sorry for this inconvenience and hope this will not last long,” said Mayor Redmon.

CANCER SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS RECEPTION DINNER POSTPONED
The annual Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Reception Dinner scheduled for April 16 at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Gym has been postponed until further notice.

DEKALB RELAY FOR LIFE POSTPONED
The 23rd annual DeKalb County Relay for Life has been rescheduled for Friday evening, May 29 at Green Brook Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event had been set for Friday, May 1. Anyone wishing to make a donation may send it to Iva Dell Randolph at 787 Keltonburg Road, Smithville 37166.

OLDER AMERICANS DAY CANCELED
Justin Potter Library has canceled the Older American’s Day Celebration that was scheduled for May 6th due to the Covid-19 virus. We have made this decision to make sure our most at risk citizens are kept safe. “We will decide later whether to reschedule this event for this year or wait until next May. We want to thank the businesses and individuals that already have door prizes or items for the goody bags. We ask them to please store them away for use when this event is rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding during this health crisis,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson.

SMITHVILLE GOLF COURSE AND GREEN BROOK PARK CLOSED EXCEPT FOR WALKING TRAIL
Smithville Mayor Josh Miller announced Monday that the Municipal Golf Course and Green Brook Park (except for the walking trail) are now closed to the public due to the threat of the COVID-19. “The City of Smithville as far as our government has stepped up. No one is currently allowed in our city buildings and we just made the call to close our golf course. That was a hard decision because it is an open air facility but the golf course is closed. The shelters, playground area, and restrooms are also closed at Green Brook Park but the walking trail will remain open. Again, we are trying to do all we can as a city but we know we can’t make people stay at home. My advice is that if you don’t have to go somewhere, don’t,” said Mayor Miller.

UCDD OFFICE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
Effective Monday, March 23, the Upper Cumberland Development District office will be closed to the public. Our staff will continue to assist clients primarily via phone and email. Essential services such as nutrition will continue. Individuals seeking assistance through programs and services offered by UCDD are encouraged to contact the office by calling (931) 432-4111.

UCHRA OFFICES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
Effective Monday, March 23, all UCHRA offices will be closed to the public. Staff will continue to assist clients primarily via phone and email. Individuals seeking assistance through the Low-Inome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should contact their local office via phone. Transit services will continue to operate in order to provide individuals with transportation to and from medical appointments, the grocery store, and other needs. All scheduled commodities events during this time will continue as scheduled. For more information, please contact your local UCHRA office or call (931) 528-1127. To reach UCHRA Transit Services, call 1-833-UC TRIPS (828-7477) or visit www.ucpublictransit.com.

COURTHOUSE AND OFFICES IN COUNTY COMPLEX CLOSED TO IN-PERSON BUSINESS
The DeKalb County Government continues to monitor developments and updates from federal and state public health officials related to the coronavirus. Beginning Friday March 20th, the DeKalb County Courthouse and the main entrance of the County Complex County Offices will be locked in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees are still reporting to work but residents who need to do business with them are urged to call first. Signage is posted on doors with phone number of each office for people to call. They will inform you how your business will be handled. The County Clerk’s drive thru window is open.

MIKE FOSTER MULTI PURPOSE CENTER CLOSED
The Mike Foster Multipurpose Center is closed. This will include the exercise room. If you have rented a room, you can reschedule or request a refund.

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSED THROUGH FRIDAY, APRIL 24
DeKalb County Schools are closed through Friday, April 24 due to the coronavirus threat. All planned school related trips, extracurricular activities, and sporting events are also canceled during this time.

DEKALB COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM CLOSED
The DeKalb County Library System is closed until further notice, and as deemed appropriate by local, and federal health agencies. “Please know that closing the libraries was not an easy decision, but one that was made to ensure the wellbeing of the community and the library staff during this pandemic.We want to continue to serve the community as long as possible with the following services,” said Library Director Kathy Hendrixson: Wi-Fi will be available outside the buildings as usual. The Tennessee READS Digital Downloads is available at all times for audiobooks, ebooks and other online materials by going to the link on our website at dekalblibraries.net. You need an active library card for use. There are special options on the READS site for those they do not have library cards. The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is also available. You can renew and reserve materials by logging into your account on our website or calling the library at 615-597-4359 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. If you reserve an item we will call you and assign a time for curb side pickup during our revised hours at Justin Potter Library. All items can be returned in our outside book drops. Fines will be waived during the time the libraries are closed for this situation. Please check us out on Facebook for more information,” added Hendrixson.

COUNTY CLERK ENCOURAGES PUBLIC USE OF DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW FOR SERVICES
County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss reminds patrons that all of its transactions in the County Clerk’s Office will be completed by the drive-thru service beginning today (Friday, March 20). As a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, we are offering online and drive-thru service for the safety of our customers and employees, based on recommendations from the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health. We recommend utilizing online services available at www.tncountyclerk.com whenever possible. While DeKalb County Clerk’s office is implementing the CDC’s recommended social distancing practices, we are still committed to serving you. Full staff will continue working normal business hours providing services for both businesses and citizens. In-person services are currently Not available. Please contact our office for assistance. Our phone number is 615-597-5177. We apologize for the inconvenience during this time. Office Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

DEKALB SENIOR CENTER CLOSED
The DeKalb Senior Center is closed to the public. If you need assistance, call 615-597-7575 and leave a message.

ALEXANDRIA SENIOR CENTER CLOSED
The Alexandria Senior Center is closed

SMITHVILLE CITY HALL BUILDING CLOSED BUT DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW OPEN
Although Smithville residents will not experience an interruption of city services, they will have to do city hall business at the drive-through window until further notice. The Smithville City Hall building is closed to the public for in-person visits or any business transactions. This will apply to the city hall offices of the mayor, city administrator, public works, police, tax, or water and sewer department. City officials will still be working normal business hours but if you have a need you will have to call city hall at 615-597-4745 or the police department at 615-597-8210 or you may stop by the drive through window to speak to a city employee. Payments may also be made at the drive through window, by phone, at the city hall night depository, or online at www.smithvillecityhall.com.

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK ENCOURAGES PUBLIC USE OF ONLINE SERVICES
DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin is asking that anyone having business with her office please call 615-597-5711 or conduct business online if possible. Customers can do certain business and make payments via the DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk website by clicking the link below and following the prompts. http://www.dekalbtennessee.com/circuitcourtclerk.html

COURTS CLOSED TO IN-PERSON PROCEEDINGS
By order of Tennessee Supreme Court Ruling, In Person Court Proceedings have been temporarily suspended until April 30, 2020. Due to this order In—Person court proceedings and hearings scheduled for this timeframe that are not of an emergent or immediate nature will not be held until after April 30, 2020. If you have an attorney – you should contact your attorney to potentially reschedule your court date. If you feel your matter is an emergency and can’t wait please call the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. This suspension applies to all DeKalb County Courts including General Sessions, Circuit, Chancery, Criminal, Child Support, DCS, Juvenile Court, and the City of Smithville Municipal Court. Also no driver safety school will be held April 2. It has been re-scheduled to May 7. All persons summoned for the new Grand Jury and term of court March 30 will need to call 615-597-5711 extension 6 for further jury information after 5 p.m. April 30.

DEKALB SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RESTRICTING PUBLIC ACCESS
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is restricting public access to the facility until further notice due to the threat of the coronavirus. “Our number one priority is to prevent possible exposure to staff as well as inmates therefore we have placed the sheriff’s office and jail on a soft lock down which means that the general public will not be able to enter the facility. The front door to the lobby will be locked. Anyone in need of an officer or services such as a warrant must press a button at the front door which will ring for a correctional officer who will meet you at the door to offer assistance,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray. For all non-emergency issues please call 615-597-4935. “Tuesday night church services and family visitations with inmates at the jail will be prohibited except for online visitations and the inmate roadside litter pickup program will be suspended until the threat subsides,” said Sheriff Ray. “Offenders brought into the jail will undergo established protocols during this time and rather than an in court appearance, video conferences will be arranged for defendants needing an immediate hearing before a judge for certain matters such as bond conditions, etc.,” he added.

OTHER CANCELLATIONS
*The New Union The Baptist Church has canceled all services for the month of April

*All services and meeting at Keltonburg United Methodist Church are cancelled through April 26, 2020.

*Easter in the Park by the Smithville Church of God has been canceled April 12

*Whorton Springs Baptist Church is suspending services until further notice. Sunday Services will be via “FaceBook” Sunday at 11am and by home delivery of DVD’s . Wednesday Night Bible Study will also be conducted on Facebook at 6pm.

*The Keltonburg Missionary Baptist Church has canceled all services until further notice.

*Keltonburg United Methodist Church has cancelled all services through April 5th.

*New Hope The Baptist Church of White County is cancelling services including the April 11 singing.

*Temple Independent Missionary Baptist Church is cancelling services until further notice

*Mount Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church is cancelling all services until further notice

*The Smithville AG will not be having any services or functions at their physical location through April 30

*The Father-Daughter Dance to benefit Habitat for Humanity April 4th has been canceled. It will be rescheduled later in the year

*The Harlem Wizards fundraising basketball game to benefit the DeKalb Middle School Junior BETA Club set for April 9th has been cancelled.

*Chamber of Commerce Banquet April 30th has been canceled.

The following churches in the Salem Baptist Association have suspended services until further notice:
Shiloh Baptist, Snow Hill Baptist, Memorial Baptist, Mt Zion Baptist, Wolf Creek Baptist, Dry Creek Baptist, Plainview Baptist, Lakewood Baptist, Indian Creek Baptist Church will have drive-in services, Covenant Baptist has a regular Sunday program on WJLE at 10:30 a.m.

The following churches will have services on facebook/live. To watch you need to go to their Facebook page and “like” their page: Dowelltown Baptist, Malone’s Chapel Baptist, Prosperity Baptist, Salem Baptist, Upper Helton Baptist, West Main Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Elizabeth Chapel Baptist, Mt Herman Baptist, New Home Baptist, Outreach Baptist, Smithville First Baptist, Whorton Springs Baptist, Auburn Baptist Church, Woodbury First Baptist, Pleasant View Baptist, and Lakewood Baptist Church will be online via the church website.

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