Many of you don’t follow me, or my church on Facebook and, although you probably don’t worship with us either, I thought I’d pass along a message I sent out that describes what we’re doing as a local church about the Corona virus/COVID-19. There are, so far, only four official cases in Ohio, but statistically, that means that there are, at least, hundreds of people infected. And, since many of our members belong to vulnerable populations, we need to take steps to keep everyone safe. In any case, I thought that by posting our list here, some of you who attend churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship, Rotary Clubs, etc. might find something useful.
Stay safe everyone.
Christ United Methodist Church *will* be having church on Sunday. But, while we refuse to give in to panic, we do want to be prudent and act with caution. Toward that end, we are making a few minor changes to keep everyone safe.
We hope that everyone will wash their hands before they come, and after they get home, but hand sanitizer is available in the lounge. Please use it.
We will not be shaking hands, but feel free to bump elbow, bow, curtsy, wave, or share the Vulcan sign for “live long and prosper.”
We have removed all of the registration pads from the pews so we won’t be passing them hand-to-hand.
Similarly, during Sunday’s offering, we won’t be passing the offering plate. Instead, our ushers will bring the plate to you (as much as possible). In the weeks ahead, we may just have the collection plates at the door at the end of the service.
We ordinarily spread out across the sanctuary, but we ask that everyone consider doing this even more than usual. We have plenty of room, so we ask that worshipers keep some space in between one another.
And finally, although this is always good advice, we feel it is important to emphasize this, if you feel ill, or have sniffles, or a cough, or are sneezing, please stay home. Many of our members belong to vulnerable populations and we must all do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy.
If you belong to a vulnerable population, or if someone in your home is vulnerable, and you feel that you need to stay home, we completely understand. My wife, Patti, is immune suppressed and we are taking particular care to keep her safe.
These are difficult times. No one needs to panic, but we do need to be prudent. Please do what you need to do to stay safe and healthy and care for one another as best we can. We *will* get through this.
Also note that since I’ve posted this, I’ve seen recommendations against fist bumps, elbow bumps, or any kind of physical contact at all.
Further, although we have already put video of our services online on YouTube (see the link below), we are taking a good look at how we can do it better, livestream, etc. Hopefully, we will begin implementing some of those options in the next few weeks even if we don’t have to cancel church in the months ahead.
Again, stay safe out there everyone, and take care of one another. Check on your neighbors and your friends who are elderly, on chemo, are immune suppressed, or who belong to other vulnerable groups.
Blessings,
Pastor John
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Pastor Partridge 