How Southern churches have adapted to the pandemic Staff reports Hello, and welcome to today's edition of Coronavirus Watch. This is reporter Rachel Wegner. Since the pandemic took hold in the United States, many churches have had to innovate and find new ways to serve their congregations. While some have adopted new technology, the process hasn't been simple. But religious leaders say some of the new takes on age-old traditions will remain long after the threat has passed. "This is a major event in American history," said Jasmine Haynes, communications specialist for the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. "Just like 9/11 changed the way we fly, (COVID-19) is changing the way we worship."