Coronavirus and Our Church
Please refer to this letter we have sent out to our church family via snail mail and email (PDF)
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As new cases of the Coronavirus (CoVid-19) are reported in the United States and around the world, the church is called to education, caution and common sense. Here are a few basic guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control that have been given for churches.
BUT FIRST, A CAUTION: this does not constitute medical advice in replace of a doctor and we urge you to contact a health professional if you are sick or concerned you might be sick. As a service to our community, Spectrum Health is offering free COVID-19 virtual screenings 24/7 to people in the state of Michigan who are experiencing symptoms at 616.391.2380. If you have severe or life-threatening symptoms, please call 911. **Please note, there are some fraudulent virus test kits being marketed to small labs and offices which are not considered effective and not approved by CDC : please be aware of this if you are offered a test in a business office by a kit that does not show FDA approval. Spectrum Health and other health professional organizations are the best avenue if you need to get screened.
For most, Coronavirus will cause a simple sore throat and flu like symptoms, however, if you have a compromised immune system, or are above the age of 60 with a weakened immune system it can be both serious to deadly. Good hygiene helps prevent the spread not only of Coronavirus but also of colds and flu! Common sense is required:
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Church family - wash your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty and is still the most effective means of taking care of bad bacteria.
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Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow or a tissue, not your hand. Wash immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
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Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes, with unwashed hands.
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Regularly disinfect surfaces frequently touched including keyboards, desktops, and door knobs.
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Use hand sanitizer.
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Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
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Stay home if you are sick (sermons preached on Sundays are available immediately on this, our website and soon we will have the option of live streaming so that services can be viewed/heard live).
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Practice these precautionary measures at home and pass this information along to family and friends.
Feel free to “bump elbows” instead of hugging or shaking hands :)
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Coronavirus (CoVid-19) is a respiratory illness that causes flu-like symptoms including fever, vomiting and difficulty breathing. If you have traveled internationally during the last 14 days, feel sick with fever or cough, or have difficulty breathing the CDC has several recommendations:
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If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical advice.
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Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about any recent travel and your symptoms.
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Stay home. Do not travel while sick. Avoid contact with others.
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Ask to join meetings via video or telephone conference call while you are recovering. Join worship via live-stream. Again, sermons preached on Sundays are available immediately after service either on this website or can be given on CD. We will be having live streaming so that church services can be viewed or heard live via computer or cell phone from this, our church website:
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We have a special responsibility to care for our fellow church family and neighbors in the community. When we are prepared, we are in a better position to help others. Get the facts and restate them accurately. Our greatest enemy right now is not the virus itself, but fear, rumors and stigma. Check in frequently with our fellow church family and those in positions to know what is actually happening.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
~ Romans 5:13 ~
