“Meals for Kids” Food Distribution Continues This Week

April 5, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The “Meals for Kids” drive through distribution will continue this week at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and at DeKalb West School.

The effort began two weeks ago at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center and at DeKalb West School but for logistical reasons was changed last week from the church to the schools.

The food pick-up, hosted by the DeKalb County School System with support of local churches will resume Monday and Thursday, April 6 and 9 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at DeKalb Middle School, DCHS, and at DeKalb West School.

“We will be distributing food boxes on Mondays for a three day supply and a two day supply on Thursdays,” said Director of Schools Patrick Cripps.

“We will have volunteers distributing the food. As you pull up to the buildings we will hand out food for the numbers of students age 18 and younger who are in the car,” he said.

“Students being served must be inside the vehicles driving through the pickup line according to state and federal guidelines. Meals will be served in a “Drive Through” style. Please stay in your car and follow traffic directions at each site. Meals must be taken home and should be refrigerated until served. Please let us know if your child is part of the Back Pack Program because if so the child will also receive those food supplies on Thursdays. Free meals will be made available each week until at least April 24th,” added Director Cripps.

April 5, 2020
By: Bill Conger

“The circumstances our families are facing today are unlike anything we have ever had to face in our lifetime.” That’s according to Pamela Hamilton, M.S, MFT, a Marital and Family Therapist at the Haven of Hope, who is referring to the nation’s pandemic.

“One they can focus on the negative, watch the news and flood their homes with horror,” she says. “Or, two focus on the time that each one of us has to increase our relationships with our spouse and children.”

Hamilton reminds families that children may not seem like they’re tuning in to their conversations when they really are.

“The best way to keep children from living in fear is to minimize their intake of news and financial situations which is for the adults in the home,” Hamilton says. “Children will be okay if their parents are okay.”

The Haven of Hope counselor also offers the following tips:

*Spend quality time reading and playing games together. Take a virtual trip. Have a child pick an event. There are many museums, zoos and aquariums that are providing access to places we may not ever be able to see. The family can pin their trips around America on a map and keep track of all the places they have been.

*Plant some seeds and have the family create life right before their eyes. Along with planting seeds add a mustard seed of hope that we as Americans and as a family will be stronger after this is over.

* Create structure. Please take the time to make a schedule which keeps our children on track with their schoolwork. Children need structure to feel safe and secure. Parents need the structure to keep from being overwhelmed. Bedtime is a recharger for children as well as parents.

* When your children are tucked away, relax with your partner. Turn off the TV and talk. Turn on your favorite music and dance. Life is precious and every moment is a gift.

Hamilton says if parents notice behavior changes like aggression or isolation or if parents or children experience nightmares, seek counseling. Due to the COVID-19 virus, restrictions have been relaxed somewhat to allow for more counseling via telehealth.

“You may be required to stay at home, but there are many services you can access from your living room.”

The Haven of Hope is located in Smithville. Call 615-597-4673 for more information or to set up an appointment.

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.)