Hope in the church continues through COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on churches By DeAndria Turner | January 12, 2021 at 9:25 PM CST - Updated January 12 at 9:26 PM LEIGHTON, Ala. (WAFF) - Many people, especially in the South, spend Sunday morning in church. Churches across North Alabama made changes during the pandemic so people can continue to worship without gathering in a building. Usually Pastor Wesley Thompsonâs congregation at Bethel Colbert Missionary Baptist church fills the pews on Sunday mornings, but since the pandemic hit theyâve been doing things differently. âGod is not restrained to the four walls of this building. Weâve had parking lot service and guess what? God was present in this parking lot as much as God has been present in this sanctuary,â said Pastor Thompson.