March 12, 2020
Dear brother and
sisters in Christ,
By now most of you
are aware of the potential threats to public health posed by the coronavirus
(COVID-19). It is important for all of
us at this time to take reasonable precautions while avoiding aspects of mass
hysteria (like hoarding toilet paper) as well as denial (refusing to adjust
risky behaviors). As Christians we
believe that our ultimate safety and security lies in the Lord even during
times of disease and pestilence (Psalm 91). Yet even if we should become sick
we find strength and hope in the knowledge that for us to live is Christ and to
die is gain (Philippians 1:20-26).
I would encourage
all of you to consider the following common sense precautions that are
appropriate for the current level of risk in your community:
v
educate
yourself and your congregation on the current risk level and appropriate
precautions (see http://www.mhsonline.org/covid-19-resources
for a helpful list of these)
v
consider
postponing carry-in meals involving the whole church or large groups of people
v
encourage
people to greet one another verbally or with a wave or “elbow bump” instead of
handshakes or hugs
v
do
some extra cleaning with disinfectant in your church building before every
service, paying special attention to doorknobs, handrails, or any hard surface
that is touched often
v
make
hand soap and/or sanitizer available at church and encourage your members to
use it
v
distribute
communion elements in ways that minimize risk of infection (e.g., using
individual cups or distributing pre-cut wafers or pieces of bread with plastic
gloves)
v
encourage
those who do not feel well to self-quarantine and stay home from church
Additionally, it
may be wise to put contingency plans in place in case the coronavirus continues
to spread and risk of infection increases:
v
How
will you inform your members and the community if you decide to cancel your
worship services?
v
Make
plans for how you might broadcast your worship service. Up to 100 households can participate in a
Zoom call (or up to 500 for a slightly higher cost), or you could live stream
your service through Facebook or YouTube live.
v
When
and how you will make decisions for canceling mission or service trips for this
summer.
Finally, I would
also like to encourage us to think about ways that our current situation might
also provide opportunities for faithful and courageous witness. Guided by the perfect love that comes from
God and casts out fear (1 John 4:17-21), let us refuse to stigmatize or
ostracize those who are ill. Instead, if
our health care system does become overloaded, I would encourage you to
consider volunteering to care for those who are ill as the early Christians
cared for the infirm and the unwanted.
Churches can also deliver groceries or other items to those who have
been quarantined.
May the peace of
Christ be with you all,
Matt Hamsher
Executive
Director, Evana Network
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