Some churches take precautions to keep congregation healthy

As concerns about the H1N1 flu virus mount, some area churches are examining their practices to help reduce the spread of germs.

"We have temporarily suspended the exchange of peace -- the handshake -- until further notice," said Linda Boxdorfer, secretary at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. She said the common communion cup used during the Eucharist is also suspended.

"There has been a lot of concern, and these practices are intended to put people at ease," Boxdorfer said.

Other churches are proceeding with normal worship practices and relying on members to practice good judgment.

"People are pretty smart. I'm going to trust their personal hygiene," said the Rev. Dave Johnson of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson said.

He said his church still shakes hands to welcome one another at the beginning of service and there are no immediate plans to stop.

"I want us to be a friendly church," Johnson said. "If people are sick, I trust them not to shake hands."

He said his church uses individual cups for weekly communion and only uses a common cup once a month. There are no plans to discontinue that practice.

The Rev. Bob Towner of Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau said his church regularly reminds members to practice common sense.

"We have generously spread hand sanitizer and Kleenexes throughout the church," he said.

He said he encourages his members to be careful for the sake of their neighbors.

"If you are feeling bad, stay home," he said. "If you have the sniffles, don't shake hands."

He said during communion, his church uses a common cup, but more members are beginning to either dip the bread in the wine or skip the wine altogether.

Many churches are relying on additional cleaning and disinfecting, in addition to common sense.

"We offer hand sanitizer and make sure to wipe the door handles real well," said Sarah Wright, secretary of CrossRoads Fellowship in Jackson. "We have a hugging and hand shaking time during church, but it is up to the individual whether to hug or not."

Precautions taken by some churches extend beyond the Sunday service.

"We wipe all of the toys used in our Sunday school department with a Clorox solution," said Sheila Faire, secretary of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

She said the church hosts Wednesday dinners, and the members involved in preparing those meals are also being vigilant about cleanliness.

Like many other local churches, Faire said her church continues to shake hands during service.

"It is such a great part of our service and we are still doing it," she said.