Church News
Dinner Bell Menu for April 8, 2020
Our Easter Meal with Clayton Homes as the Community Partner
It is still GRAB-and-Go entering Fleming Street from North Davis and heading on east to the covered driveway where meals will be distributed. (The covered driveway is across Church Street from the Post Office).
Same procedure as last Wednesday. This will continue until we can re-open the Fellowship Hall for seated meals.
MENU
Balsamic Glazed Ham Slices
Wild Rice and Long Grain Rice Casserole
Broccoli Salad
Yeast Rolls and Butter
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dinner Bell at First United Methodist Church is pleased we can continue meal distribution during this pandemic. Please cooperate, follow the plan and meals will be distributed with ease.
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Governor, AG Provide Guidance For Houses Of Worship During COVID-19
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued joint guidance regarding the effect of Executive Order GA 14 on religious services conducted in congregations and houses of worship during COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott 
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
“All Texans must work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, and houses of worship face a particular challenge as we work to combat this pandemic,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This guidance provides clear direction for houses of worship to protect the health and safety of Texans as they continue to hold religious services, exercise their religious liberty, and serve their faith communities.”
The Executive Order GA 14 defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.”
Orders given by state or local governments prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services must ensure that the orders do not violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, Article I of the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protect the rights of Texans to freely exercise their religion.
The government must give special consideration to houses of worship when issuing orders related to the COVID-19 crisis.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I of the Texas Constitution protect the right of Texans to freely exercise their religion. In addition, the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”) provides even stronger protections to faith communities, and government must ensure that it complies with RFRA when it acts. Thus, when state or local governments issue orders prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services, they must ensure that these orders do not violate these constitutional and statutory rights.
Houses of worship provide “essential services.”
On March 31, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA 14, which defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.”1 Institutions providing these essential services can provide them under certain conditions described in Executive Order GA 14 and local orders by counties or municipalities that are consistent with GA 14. To the extent there is
conflict between the Governor’s Executive Order GA 14 and local orders, GA 14 controls.
Houses of worship must, whenever possible, conduct their activities from home or through remote audio or video services.
Houses of worship often gather as large groups of people in one building during a religious service or activity. But during this public health crisis, in accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), and Texas Department of State Health Services (“Texas DSHS”), providers of essential services must follow certain mitigation strategies to slow the spread of the virus. Thus, under the Governor’s Executive Order GA 14, houses of worship should conduct remote audio, video, or teleconference activities whenever possible.
If a house of worship cannot conduct its activities remotely, then the White House and CDC guidelines still control in order to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
If a house of worship cannot conduct its service remotely due to a lack of capability (technological or financial), then it should follow the Governor’s Executive Order GA 14, that houses of worship are to conduct their activities in accordance with the White House Guidelines. For example:
- Instruct sick employees, volunteers, and guests to stay home;
- Practice social distancing by maintaining appropriate distance between people;
- Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, using your elbow to cover coughs, and not touching your face; and
- Clean and disinfect work areas frequently.
Houses of worship, like providers of other essential services, are to follow additional guidance from the White House and CDC whenever possible.
Some houses of worship must avoid large gatherings.
Texas is a big state and the transmission rate of COVID-19 varies in different
communities. Given this, houses of worship should work with counties and
municipalities to evaluate the rate of local community spread and determine the appropriate level of mitigation strategies to implement. For example, more detailed guidance from the CDC currently recommends that if a community is experiencing substantial community spread of COVID-19, then the houses of worship in that community should cancel all in-person gatherings of any size. But if a community is experiencing moderate to substantial spread, then the CDC recommends a reduction of activities in coordination with local health officials, possible smaller gatherings incorporating social-distancing measures, cancelation of activities with 10 or more people when high-risk populations attend in person (including those over 65 and those with underlying medical conditions), and use of creative means to deliver other faith-based services. For more information, houses of worship should consult CDC guidance.
For example, a church may hold Easter services in its parking lot, with attendees remaining in their cars (windows down), parked in every other parking spot, with the minister using amplification to preach. Or because Executive Order GA 14 permits drive-thrus to operate, then a house of worship may, according to their faith practices, provide communion or a blessing through a similar drive-up service. Or pastors with smaller congregations may consider conducting multiple services of 10 people or
fewer in their sanctuaries, so long as they maintain appropriate social distancing, properly sanitize the building between each service, and provide hand sanitizer.
These restrictions do not violate the religious liberty of houses of worship.
Under the extraordinary circumstances in which we temporarily live, these
restrictions do not violate the religious liberty of houses of worship because the government has a compelling interest for implementing the rules (stopping contagion) and the rules are the least restrictive means of burdening religious practice (they allow houses of worship to stay open for ministry, but suggest ways that help stop the spread of COVID-19).
Dinner Bell Today With Some Changes
The First United Methodist Church will be providing ready-to-go meals today, starting at 11:45 AM. This is a necessary retooling of the popular Dinner Bell program started in 2012.
“Everyone’s safety is our first priority,” said Judy Gilbreath. Rev Ed Lantz had this to add, “We want to welcome everyone, but at the same time we also need to keep everyone safe. We have some new rules, and they are for everyone’s protection.”
That’s the primary reason no dining will be allowed on site. People wanting a free community meal will need to grab an already prepared meal and go. Furthermore, the only place you can get a meal is under the large carport on the North East corner of the building. (See picture below)
Dinner Bell will serve drive-ups, and walk-ups today. Participants will be encouraged to return home, and not loiter on the premises. Enforcing “social distancing” is a must.
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Community Chest Changing Food Bank Service Dates
Effective April 1st, the Hopkins County Community Chest “Food Pantry” will only be open for drive-in assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The change will allow the staff to better assist clients.
“Unlike businesses and stores who have closed, our intent is to continue operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that these times are exactly when our clients need us most. We ask for your patience as we continue servicing Hopkins County,” said Judy Moore, HCCC and Christian Alliance executive director.
Hopkins County Community Chest is located at 217 Linda Drive. For additional information, call 903-885-3452.
Dinner Bell for April 1, 2020
A big thank you to the Cross Country Cowboy Church and the Lions Club, Community Partners while we were closed.
CHANGE, we must in these times. Meals will be prepared and packaged to go. They can be secured under the covered walk way at the northern edge of the First United Methodist Church campus. There is no inside dining until further notice. Dinner Bell’s mission is to feed and not endanger the health of our friends. Drive between the buildings and continue to turn right. Meal distribution is under the covered area.
Chicken Spaghetti
Salad and Ranch Dressing Cups
Buttered Bread Slices
Apple
The distribution starts at 11:45 a.m. We ask that you take as many meals as are persons in your car. Around 12:30 you may pick up meals for members of your family not in the car. Please follow this plan so that no one goes unfed. Our process is designed to hand out meals. Persons who try to receive more meals than allowed violate the mission of this ministry. COOPERATE and ALL may be fed. This is GRAB and Go DINNER BELL!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Hopkins County Emergency Management Update: Still No Positive Coronavirus Cases
March 19th, 2020
In a scheduled teleconference this morning, the Hopkins County Emergency Management team updated KSST News on conditions of the newly mandated crowd limits and COVID-19 concerns. As of 11:15am, NO new positive test results have been returned on local citizens. The team reiterated the need for social distancing and the restrictions on social gatherings to no more than ten people.
Judge Newsom shared that his experience was that restaurants that were keeping their dining rooms open were adapting to the social distancing guidelines effectively. Other businesses are encouraging social distancing for their customers. It is also up to the public to practice these measures and avoid situations of exposure.
One of the toughest restrictions has come as funerals fall under the group size mandate. The county realizes this hardship for families, and encourages memorial services in the future. The protection of the health of all of our citizens is the main concern in this trying time.
Judge Newsom anticipates for this declaration to stay in effect for several weeks or more, although it is up to the County Commissioners to review the status each week, and decide whether to loosen or tighten restrictions.
Calvary Baptist Church Cancels ‘In Person’ Service
Calvary Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, TX has cancelled the ‘In Person’ Sunday March 22nd, 2020 service. Everyone is encouraged to view the service via Facebook Live. The link should be available on their Facebook Page.
Hopkins County Issues Emergency Declaration For Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 18th, 2020
Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge, issues an emergency declaration for the citizens of Hopkins County. This Declaration issues a State Of Disaster for the county. This will last for seven days unless extended, as it will be evaluated by county commissioners as soon as Monday, March 23rd. Events in Hopkins County will now be limited to have no more than 10 people in a social gathering. This undoubtedly will affect a large number of events in Hopkins County. KSST News will continue to update this page as we get more information.
Dining rooms in restaurants are not restricted at this time, unless they have larger parties considered “social gatherings”. Restaurants may utilize their dining rooms with no tables seated for more than ten and all occupied tables more than six to ten feet apart. As many restaurants go to curbside pick-up and delivery, most have already made these arrangements.
School Board, county meetings, and city meetings can still go on as they are not considered “social gatherings” Plans are being developed to help attendees of these meetings achieve social distancing. All Civic Center events for the next two weeks are cancelled according to Civic Center general manager, Lonnie Fox. Future events beyond that will be evaluated weekly as the health scare continues.
Although the emergency declaration comes from the County Judge, input was received from city, county, state, and emergency officals. Jason Ricketson spoke as to the reasoning of putting this plan in place. He said, “As we see the numbers of positive test results rise in other parts of the state, we think distancing is important as to not overwhelm our local medical resources.” Again, no positive tests for coronavirus has been returned from any patient in Hopkins County. Ricketson also stressed the importance of the younger generation to heed these warning to protect the older generations.
This will affect all churches but retail stores will be able to limit their total customers as they see fit. Social distancing between customers should be offered at these establishments, but the total amount of customers at one time will be controlled by the each individual store.
Judge Newsom ugred citizens to band together to get through this crisis.
Continue to refresh this story for the latest information.
Davis St. Baptist Church Cancels Next 3 Services
Davis St. Bapstist Church will not have services on the following dates: Wednesday, March 18th, Sunday, March 22nd, and Wednesday, March 25th.
Dinner Bell at the First United Methodist Church Cancelled For 2 Weeks
Dinner Bell at The First United Methodist Church will not serve meals the next two weeks, March 18, 2020 and March 25, 2020. Large groups are being discouraged from assembling due to the worldwide pandemic.
Future meals and the serving of them will be discussed in the next week. DINNER BELL IS NOT SUSPENDING the serving of weekly meals. We value the health and welfare of both those who come to eat and those who prepare the meals. A two week suspension may be the time needed for the disease to be on a downward spiral.
Other ways to distribute meals will be discussed and evaluated. This ministry is too important to disband. Time is needed to examine this service.
Sadly I send this message hoping all will understand.
Judy Gilreath @ Dinner Bell
