SNOW JOB
When flakes fall, pastors keep the church doors open
(and the sidewalk shoveled)


By Suzanne C. Hickerson

Neither cold temperatures nor snow have kept congregations across the region from gathering for Sunday morning worship.

In recent weeks, snow has blanketed many communities throughout East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Some churches have established a snow policy concerning worship services and church activities, while others evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis.

"I am here early and I do bring a shovel," said the Rev. Don Nation, of Mafair United Methodist Church in Kingsport District, about preparing for Sunday morning service.

Like many school children who pray for snow during the week, Nation said he prefers snow on Thursdays, so by Sunday cabin fever has set in and people are ready to come to church.

"People want to be in fellowship with others," he said.

Several pastors said that although church attendance may be below average following a snowstorm, they are sometimes surprised at the number of people attending worship services.

"One time we were the only church in town to have services," said the Rev. Charles Lockerby, of First Pearisburg UMC in Tazewell District. "We had a few visitors from other churches to attend our service."

The Sunday worship service is rarely canceled, Lockerby added. The worship service is held for anybody who can safely travel to church.

The snow policy at First Pearisburg also has provisions for church activities scheduled during the week. Those activities may be canceled if the area schools are closed on the day in question.

First Galax UMC in Wytheville District does not have a set snow policy and makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, according to the Rev. Tom Ballard. Since the parsonage is located directly behind the church, Ballard said he is reluctant to cancel Sunday worship services unless there are severe conditions in addition to snow, such as ice or power outages.

In recent memory, Sunday services have only been called off once in the last 10 years because of snow, he added. Safety is always the main factor in making decisions about canceling worship or activities.

As with any decision, there are consequences. Inclement weather can also have a negative effect on church finances.

"How do we recover if we don't have service?" Ballard said. "Some of our flock is not as disciplined in giving. Just because we didn't worship, the ministry continues to take place."

The Rev. Laura Rasor, of Piney Flats UMC in Johnson City District, added, "We do count on the weekly offering."

Ballard said that he will often take the opportunity following a snowstorm to remind church members through the newsletter or during Sunday worship to give even when they miss church due to inclement weather.

Sometimes his reminder comes in a humorous manner.

"Today we are going to pass the offering plate around two times to make up for last Sunday," he recently told his congregation. Despite the struggles church leaders face in balancing the need for safety, ministry and finances, several said the situation often brings out the best in people.

Over the years, Ballard said he has observed many church families that stay in close contact and often take care of each other. They make it a priority to attend church, even when it snows. "It is nice to know they have the inner drive to go," he said. "[The snow] could be used as an excuse."

Rasor said she often enjoys the snowy days because she has the opportunity to witness the spirit and dedication of church members who pitch in to help shovel the sidewalks or fill in as Sunday school teachers and ushers.


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