Friends share fist- or elbow-bumps now when they greet each at First Presbyterian Church.
Church organizers encourage the youthful gesture in lieu of possible germ-spreading handshakes, the Rev. Angela Madden said.
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The change from traditional handshakes reflects worldwide uncertainty of the spread of the new coronavirus.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) had infected about 100,000 people worldwide and was responsible for 3,354 deaths as of Thursday.
At least 11 deaths in the United States have been linked to COVID-19.
No cases had been confirmed in Missouri.
In anticipation of the virus eventually reaching Jefferson City, members of First Presbyterian Church have already begun changing their practices.
For decades, people in the church have joined hands during the benediction (blessing), Madden said.
"We have written in our bulletin and announced we're not holding each other's hands during blessings," she said. "We started last night during Wednesday Vespers (evening prayer), which we've had for more than 30 years."
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During vespers, small groups gather around tables and share communion. They would hold hands during the blessings, but that practice is temporarily on hold.
Although the virus apparently hasn't arrived in Missouri yet, it's a good time to begin discussions about what may occur, said Melissa Hatfield, pastor of youth and missions for First Baptist Church.
First Baptist Church has a "greeting time," in which churchgoers may shake hands, but will look at some of the issues surrounding that activity next week, Hatfield said.
"I don't think it's too soon for any congregation to be talking about what is going on for so many folks around the world," she said. "We are in contact with churches and learning from churches that are in areas that have reported cases. We're in conversations about what steps might look like for us.
"We just want to be prepared should that be an issue for Jefferson City and our community. We'll have a plan and process in place."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several common-sense ways to lower the chance of coming down with COVID-19:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you're sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The CDC does not recommend people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City recently distributed recommendations to its pastors at individual parishes. Recommendations included the pastors consider temporarily discontinuing distribution of consecrated wine.
"Please assure anyone concerned that the sacramental presence of the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus is present in each element of the Eucharist," the recommendation said, as the distribution of consecrated bread will continue.
Also, parishes may temporarily discontinue holding or shaking hands during Mass. And the churches should change holy water regularly.
First United Methodist Church is sensitive to being careful not to spread germs and viruses while maintaining its services, Director of Operations Jerry Kelly said.
"So many things are unknown. There are so many more questions than answers right now," Kelly said. "We mention it every week. We're probably not going to be shaking too many hands and hugging during the next few weeks."
Older members of churches' congregations are on their minds, he said.
"I'm a hugger," said the Rev. Cornell Sudduth Sr., pastor at Second Baptist Church.
One of his favorite scriptures says, "Greet one another with a holy kiss," Sudduth said.
However, there is concern about the spread of COVID-19, he said. Members of the church don't embrace each other as much as they have in the past.
"We won't be greeting each other with a holy kiss," Sudduth said. "And we changed our holy communion. They put gloves as members came around and pastors gave them communion."
The church will also reach out to the community to discuss its health, he continued. The public is invited.
Members of the health ministry within the church are to give a presentation 10 a.m.-noon March 14. Second Baptist Church is reaching out to public health officials involve them in the presentation, he said.
The threat of the disease has caused the church to cancel some of its normal activities.
On a monthly basis, church members travel to a local nursing home to interact with residents. The church canceled the trip to protect the home's residents.
COVID-19 seems to be most dangerous to older adults and people with underlying health conditions that may weaken their immune systems, according to the CDC.
People are beginning to avoid large gatherings, Sudduth said. Personally, he decided to cancel participation in a program in Kansas City this coming weekend.
"We're getting through this month. Just like everyone else, we're waiting to see what happens nationally," he said. "I curtailed my traveling. I did not want to be there compromising myself. Even things like that, we're going to have to be conscious of.
"It will be interesting to see what happens this coming Sunday. People will probably decide not to go to public places."