SIOUX CITY -- There's something besides hymnals, Bibles and attendance cards in the pews at First Lutheran Church ELCA in Sioux City.

Two bottles of germ-X.

The hand sanitizers were purchased when a parishioner approached the Rev. Alan Wicks three weeks ago, saying he was willing to buy $250 worth of the material to help ensure viruses didn't spread during Sunday services. A bottle was placed at each end of every pew. They've been used regularly ever since.

In addition to prayer, germ-X represents a line of protection to ward off H1N1 and other seasonal bugs.

Churches across Siouxland have taken note. Many leaders have modified traditions involving communion and the sharing of the peace as a result of H1N1. Instead of shaking hands or holding hands during certain songs, some pastors suggested halting the bodily contact temporarily.

"There is guidance out there for communities and there's something for faith-based organizations," said Kevin Grieme, health planner/development coordinator for the Siouxland District Health Department. "There's even some education churches can do."

Tips Grieme share come from the Centers for Disease Control. They include:

* Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.

* Remind people to cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough.

* Reduce crowding as much as possible.

* Employ alternative greetings and encourage interaction without contact. Implement social distancing measures.

"If religious traditions emphasize eating or drinking from common dishes or cups, they might want to consider an alternate way to fulfill religious beliefs," Grieme noted.

Wicks didn't want to curtail the practice of sharing peace at First Lutheran Church in Sioux City, as it's an essential part of worship. He encouraged sharing a smile or a bow three weeks ago. After the service, a parishioner approached with a plan to buy enough sanitizers for the church.

"We don't want people to be fearful," Wicks said. "On the other hand, there may have been people not coming to worship because of it."

In addition, a bottle of germ-X was placed at the credence table for Wicks and communion servers to use following the sharing of the peace. Other churches in Siouxland also ask communion servers to sanitize their hands before serving.

A few church officials said they've implemented plans in the past, but haven't yet this year.

Kristie Arlt, director of communications and stewardship for the Diocese of Sioux City, said Bishop R. Walker Nickless sent a letter to diocesan parishes last spring, asking church goers to refrain from holding hands during the Lord's Prayer and shaking hands during the sign of peace. There was a brief time last spring when Catholics across the Sioux City diocese were not offered the chalice at communion.

This season, those measures haven't been enacted.

"We're not doing anything as a whole diocese," Arlt said. "A couple of months ago the Bishop sent a letter saying there wouldn't be a mandate like there was last spring."

"We still shake hands," said Kathy Coleman of Morningside Church of Christ. "A couple of things have come across our e-mail about doing a pat on the back or a squeeze of an arm, but we haven't done that yet."

The Rev. Karen Garrison of St. John's United Methodist Church at Mapleton, Iowa, helped host an Election Day luncheon Tuesday. There were hand sanitizers out, perhaps more than usual.

"We've spoken in church a bit about this," she said. "I want us to be cautious, but not let fear reign."