Dear Church Family,
Like many of you all, I find myself reading regularly about COVID-19 and the havoc it has caused our world. What seemed like a limited exposure has now become a global pandemic, according to the World Health Organization. More than just a distant reality, news broke that two persons in Michigan have tested positive for the virus, and our state has declared a state of emergency. While we pray and hope that the spread of COVID-19 slows down, I also know from my background as an Eagle Scout to be prepared for all circumstances. So while I do not hope to cause unneeded alarm, on the side of caution, I want to make our congregation prepared for all scenarios so we can be safe until this passes. Instead, drawing upon resources from the CDC and our conference, we will take the following actions.
Immediate steps involve reducing the risk of spreading disease. Scripture mandates for us to care for the most vulnerable in our society, so it is imperative to protect older and immune-compromised congregants. While its always best practice to have good hygiene practices during cold and flu season, with COVID-19, they have taken on more considerable significance. We know the importance of handwashing, and as a church, we will make sure we have the appropriate amounts of soap and sanitizer on hand. However, I want to give a list of church specific steps that we must take until it is safe to change back.
Communion will be served in individual cups, and the bread will be cut up beforehand.
Reduced handshaking and instead use alternative forms of greeting. Be creative with this and make it fun! Some levity will be especially helpful.
If you are sick, stay home. We value your presence but care about your health first and foremost. We will continue to post videos of our service online for those who miss on Sunday.
During our final song (Bind Us Together), I would strongly encourage us not to hold hands. While I value this tradition, again, we need to err on the side of caution and safety. While you may feel safe doing so, others may not and feel pressured into holding hands anyways.
As of today, places such as Munson Healthcare hospitals and several long-term care facilities have placed restrictions on visitation. It means I or others will not be allowed to visit these places. If there is a pastoral need, still contact the church for prayer or any other assistance, but also reach out to the hospital chaplain.
These next steps below will serve as possibilities if COVID-19 becomes prevalent in our community, and we are ordered by the state to practice social distancing. Again, these are not things we hope will come to fruition, but will plan for here at Good Shepherd.
Cancellation of events and church services. Please note that some of this may come at short notice as circumstances change rapidly. Again, for church services, we will get creative and find ways to worship as a church family remotely.
Church staff working remotely from home.
Temporary closure of the building, including the Child Development Center.
As mentioned previously, we hope that it does not come to any of the above steps. Instead, I want us all to be prepared so that if we have to implement these changes, we can do so in a short timeline.
However, I do not want to leave you all with doom and gloom. We will gather together this Sunday to worship and praise God together. So here are some things that we can do in the meantime, that I also believe will benefit is long-term.
Pray! Pray for one another and our world.
Have a flexible spirit! Changes may occur quickly, so having a flexible attitude will help in making the best of any potential situation.
Always be hopeful! The world may be scary, but let us not feed into an already fearful world. Instead, be a positive light in a world that needs it.
I hope that you find this information helpful as we seek to navigate this season together. I hope that preparation and these immediate changes will allow us to better focus on our walk with Christ this Lenten season.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tom