FACT Family,
As we hear the news about the COVID-19 coronavirus, it is likely that there are many thoughts and questions developing. How serious is this? How concerned do we need to be? Do we need to be concerned at all? Is this actually a big deal?
As with any issue today, we are exposed to both over-reporting and under-reporting. There are extreme views given through the media and completely inaccurate information conveyed through social media.
As a church body, we do not want to overreact, but we also do not want to stick our heads in the sand for all of our well-being and the well-being of our community.
Yesterday, Dr. Mick Noel, District Superintendent of the South Atlantic District (which we are part of), sent out an email to help churches know how to respond. The reality is that cases of COVID-19 have been identified in each of the three states in that make up the South Atlantic District, although at this point these are largely localized in more populated areas. In it, he affirms that this indeed is a serious issue. He writes:
First, this IS a serious issue for us. There are new reports of those who have contracted the virus in each of the states in our District. Some media outlets have suggested that the elderly avoid public gatherings. I spoke to a missionary serving overseas yesterday whose government has forbid church assemblies for the immediate future. A news item from Washington, DC reports a priest administered communion to his congregation and was diagnosed as positive for the virus. That entire congregation of several hundred is now quarantined. Dr. David McCorvey is a medical doctor residing in Atlanta who also serves currently on our DEXCOM. Here is his guidance to us:
In my opinion, the recommendation to the elderly regarding the avoidance of church attendance is considered an extreme measure. The basis of such a recommendation is rooted in the medically observed fact that the elderly often struggle with weak immune systems. Therefore, if the elderly are currently struggling with a significant illness, then it is reasonable for them to follow this recommendation. If they are not currently struggling with a significant illness, then the following preventative actions are reasonable:
1. Frequently wash hands with soap and water before and after eating.
2. Avoid “physical” contact (e.g. kisses, handshakes, hugs, etc.)
3. Avoid communal type eating such as potluck and buffet-like events.
The following are recommendations from Johns Hopkins Medicine:
“General measures recommended:
Avoid sick individuals.
Wash hands with soap and water x 20 seconds before eating, after cough/sneezing, or bathroom visits.
Don’t touch the face, eyes, etc.
Stay home if ill.
Cover your sneeze.
Disinfect frequently touched household objects.
Current CDC recommendations do not suggest using a facemask for protection.”
Of course, most of these are common sense things that we should be doing anyway during cold and flu season.
However, the COVID-19 virus has been identified as more than just a flu like variant. Common consensus among professionals is that the virus is primarily passed through physical contact. Based on this information, and some additional recommendations from the District Superintendent, we as a church family are going to take some precautionary measures. We do not do these out of fear, but out of love for one another and our broader community. We seek to blend our faith in Jesus Christ and proactive leadership to protect the flock which the Holy Spirit is gathering as First Alliance Church Toccoa (Acts 20:28).
1. We request you refrain from hand shaking, hugging, or “holy kissing” in greeting one another. Smile, nod, wave, or greet verbally.
2. We encourage regular hand washing as has been recommended.
3. We will be giving extra attention to cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces like door handles and water fountains.
4. If you use a room for a meeting or Discipling Community gathering, please use the disinfectant wipes that are provided in each room to wipe the table, door handles, light switches, or any other common surface down before leaving. We would also encourage you to do the same when you arrive for your meeting/gathering.
5. If you feel ill or are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, please stay home from a meeting, Discipling Community, or worship service. We will continue to post worship service messages online at FACToccoa.com, typically the following Monday. In addition, we encourage you to promptly see a doctor.
6. Similarly, if you have a weakened respiratory system or are in a high-risk category, and feel concerned, we encourage you to be cautious in light of your own health dynamics.
7. If you have been sick in any form, please wait to return to ministry activities until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
8. A plan was already in place to not do communion again until Good Friday on April 10. We will evaluate at that time the method of communion.
9. Starting Sunday, March 29, we will take a break from passing the offering plates as part of the service to further prevent the spread of germs. We will have secure receptacles placed in strategic locations where you can place your tithes and offerings, much as the widow did in Mark 12. In addition, safe and secure online giving options continue to be available at FACToccoa.com/give and through the mobile app. Some of you may want to go ahead and start giving in this way.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We will continue to monitor and make adjustments as necessary as this unfolds. However, let us reiterate that the most important thing we can do as biblical, loving, Spirit-filled disciples is to not be afraid or overreactive. We act with prudent stewardship, but we walk in faith in Jesus Christ. Our trust, our hope, and our healing is found in Him, and Him alone. Let us not choose to stockpile, but to share our resources with those in need. Let us not withdraw, but be present to share the love and certainty of Christ with those without hope. Let us not play the “blame game,” but instead see people of every tribe, tongue, and nation as people created by God and loved by the Savior even as the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.
And let us pray.
To God be all the glory,
FACT Pastoral Staff & Elders