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NATCHEZ — First Presbyterian Church of Natchez announced Thursday afternoon that the church is postponing its third annual Heroes Service and Luncheon that had been scheduled for Sunday due to concerns about COVID-19.

First Presbyterian Church of Natchez Pastor the Rev. Joan Gandy said church leaders decided to postpone the event in light of news Wednesday night that a Mississippian had tested positive for COVID-19 to help prevent spreading the virus.

Despite, postponement of the event, First Presbyterian will have its regular church services on Sunday, Gandy said.

The Local Heroes Service and Luncheon would have included a community meal and health officials are advising people to keep a social distance from other people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gandy said an alternate date for the Local Heroes Service and Luncheon would be announced at a later date.

This would be the third year the church has held the annual Local Heroes Service and Luncheon for first responders who put their lives on the line every day for the communities they serve, which is a sacrifice that often goes unnoticed by the public they serve, Gandy said.

“We feel they are sometimes forgotten, and people take them for granted,” said the Rev. Joan Gandy, pastor of First Presbyterian Church. “We just want to lift them up and give them encouragement in what they do.”

Gandy said invitations had been sent to many first responder organizations and individuals and she is hoping they will get word of the postponement.