News
FUMCCV Coronavirus Public Health Update: General Information
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
March 15 Bulletin and Announcements
Coronavirus Update
Clearly this is a time to be wise but not hysterical, cautious but not fearful, measured but not dismissive…..as Proverbs says, there is a time for everything. Our Denominational leaders have given some guidance to local churches regarding Coronavirus (that info came out in last week’s e.News, and you can read it here (https://www.fumccv.org/covid-19/).
As we have learned new information and watched closely the spread of the virus this week, here is some updated information. First is a list of the precautions we are putting into place here at FUMCCV. Second is some information that has been provided by the husband of one of our clergy women, Rev. Nicole Reilley. Dr Jeffrey S Luther, M.D. is the Director of Health Policy, Long Beach Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UCI
Here at FUMCCV:
- Our custodial staff has increased their focus on disinfecting common areas
- We will have worship as planned this coming Sunday with the following adaptations
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- passing of the peace will be encouraged without physical contact
- offering plates will be placed in the front of the room and we will bring our gifts forward to offer them to God rather than pass the plates
- we will not celebrate Holy Communion in worship but will engage in prayer for those most affected by this pandemic
- Pastor Brian and other leaders will be available following worship in a receiving line but will do so without making physical contact
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- We will be exploring the possibility of live streaming our worship services, should the need arise in the coming weeks
- We encourage those who are sick or most vulnerable to stay at home and if you are making this decision please call the church office and let us know so that we can connect you with another church member who will be calling and keeping you connected to FUMCCV
Here is the letter from Dr. Luther that was written for use by churches in order to give some general information, straight from medical professionals……
Hi clergy friends. Nicole asked me to put together some information regarding the current understanding of the novel corona virus. Please be aware that this is a dynamic situation, and our understanding is much better today than it was a week ago but it will be understood better as we learn more. As you are no doubt aware cases are rapidly multiplying, and are probably underestimated since we’ve been limited in our testing.
o Spread now appears to be predominantly person-to-person.
o It is felt to spread via droplets (i.e. contact with stuff that’s been sneezed or coughed) and it’s not yet known how long the virus lasts on common surfaces.
o It tends to be more serious in older persons, and so far has had mercifully little impact on young children.
o Symptoms include fever in nearly 90% of cases (so absence of a fever is a good, if imperfect, sign that it’s not COVID-19). Cough is common, but nasal congestion and gastrointestinal symptoms are very uncommon (4-5%)
o Testing is still limited to persons that meet certain criteria (symptoms + either travel to certain countries or known exposure) but that will change as we get more capacity to test.
o It does not tend to co-exist with other infections, so if someone tests you and you are positive for influenza congratulations, you’re fairly confident you don’t also have COVID-19!
What to do?
o You’ve heard it before: Wash your hands. Often.
o Maintain a physical distance from others, especially if their sick. At least 6 feet is the current understanding of a prudent distance.
o Pick an alternative greeting to the handshake. Many are doing the fist bump or elbow bump. I prefer to bow, but that’s just me.
o Wearing a mask won’t help unless you’re sick, in which case it will help you avoid spreading whatever you have to others.
o If you’re sick, stay home. At this point don’t go to the doctor’s office or the hospital unless you’re really sick. If you’re concerned enough call your doctor first. He/she can help direct you.
o Postpone any non-essential travel.
What to do with your church? Here you’re a better judge than I, but some thoughts (assuming you continue to hold worship):
o Empower and implore members not to come to church if they’re sick (especially with fever).
o Eliminate the receiving line.
o Modify or eliminate whatever social mixing you do between/after services.
o Communion: Intinction is problematic. Even if the celebrants follow meticulous hygiene those receiving are more of a risk to one another. If you still have those 20th century cup-ettes that might help. Otherwise consider not serving communion for the immediate future.
o Meetings: what a great excuse to cancel meetings!!
o Other churchwide gatherings (celebrations, dinners, etc.): you and your leadership can determine how essential they are.
I am by no means an alarmist, but my respect for the gravity of the current situation has been steadily growing. Our challenge is to remain informed and do what’s practical and evidence-based without falling prey to what hysteria exists.
Grace & peace,
Jeff Luther
COVID-19
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Lent Prayer Calendar
Although this Prayer calendar is intended for use throughout the months of March and April, a large portion of that time is during Lent or the period leading up to Jesus’ Passion, trial, crucifixion/death, up to Easter Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection.
Lent 2020 runs from Ash Wednesday, February 26 to Easter Saturday, April 11.
This Prayer Calendar runs from March 1, 2020 through April 30, but our theme is a Lenten one, as we examine why Jesus came to be among us, and what was the purpose of His death and resurrection.
How to use this Prayer Guide
Read the Bible reading each day of the week and pray about how you can be a witness of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection to others.
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