A word from our nurses...

 

In communicating with several nurses from our congregation we would like to make the following statement. 

It is a privilege to meet and worship together at SMC.  We would hate to see that privilege end, however, the increase in Covid cases is taking its toll on our healthcare systems and personnel.  We are at a higher surge rate than we ever were in March when we shut down. We, in part, feel it is the increased lack of social distancing, hand washing and wearing of masks.  We have become relaxed in our interactions and therefore do not take the precautions that are necessary. 

We understand that masks are uncomfortable and are not 100% effective, however, the use of masks has been a long-time practice in the medical field to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses.  Surgeons and surgery personnel wear them for extended hours during surgical cases and to our knowledge, have never suffered medical consequences.  However, we venture to say that you would not like to risk having surgery without personnel and your surgeon wearing a mask.  Covid is passed by respiratory droplets so covering the mouth and nose is necessary for masks to be effective.  When masks are not worn correctly, it decreases the effectiveness of the mask.  If you are out and about you should be washing your mask daily and it needs to be 2 ply, not a single material. 

We wish we could see the wearing of masks and social distancing as a way for each of us to be loving and of service to others. We as Christians should be acting and speaking differently than the angry, disgruntled voices around us.  This is a time to come together and be resilient, make a choice to be positive and helpful to those who need it. We all have experienced some level of loss during this and it has been tough to be patient and enduring. However, we don’t feel that we have had near the hardships of our ancestors who came through tougher times.  The wearing of masks is neither immoral nor a statement of a lack of faith.  To us, it is a statement of agape love and caring for those around us. 

We personally are saddened that people refuse to come to church because we require a mask.  We have received such needed encouragement by meeting together.  Our prayer is that we could all worship together again soon but until then, may we practice Christ’s love by wearing a mask, taking care of those who are more susceptible to illness, while also being respectful of those who struggle with mask wearing and prefer to worship at home. 

Velma Shetler

Lynette Neuenschwander

Russ Leonardi

Barb Steiner

Note of clarification: SMC leadership has never required masks to be worn for worship-no one has ever been prohibited from our building for lack of a mask. -Todd M.