Coronavirus | Cares and Concerns for our Church Community

Though we are in Orlando, for a conference and vacation, we have been actively following the news around the Coronavirus. You are probably aware that Pennsylvania seemingly now has four cases of the Coronavirus. This has huge implications for businesses, retirement communities, and churches. Likewise, I am sure many of you have been following the news, waiting to learn more about this rather new and threatening flu.

There is a lot that we do not know yet about this flu. What we have seen so far, is that while this flu has not met the fatality rates of the regular flu, some sources suggest it is on par to surpass it with alarming rates. Thankfully, most cases in the USA have been milder (but not all). I’m aware that some individuals look at these numbers and say that the media has blown it out of proportion, and others may believe there is something more to this than we are hearing. The truth is we don’t know, and I find myself somewhere in the middle between the two. There are many followers of Jesus that are belittling this virus on my Facebook timeline, but as your pastor, I do not see your health as something to take lightly; at the same time, I do not want us to relinquish our trust in Jesus in such a way that we have worry, anxiety, and fear reign over our lives.

As we wait for new information, as your pastoral leader, I want to take any concerns very seriously. Please reach out to me, directly, if you have concerns or questions about this virus or our protocols. I believe there are some simple and practical steps as a church community, in response to this virus. First and foremost, if you or a family member are feeling unwell, please stay home. We have many younger and older church members, and this shows honor and respect for them. If you are serving coffee or food for our worship gathering or your small group, please wear gloves. Additionally, we should all be very intentional about washing hands, wiping down surfaces, covering our coughs and show caution with shaking hands. For communion, we will celebrate the Lord’s Table with individually sealed communion containers.

If you are unable to join us at some point in this flu season, please reach out to the office and let us know. We want to pray and stand with you. You can continue to call or email me with any needs and prayer requests. Remember that there are ways to both listen and tithe online. Most importantly, please continue to pray for God’s protection and good health, both for each other, our church community, and in our neighborhoods.

I imagine if anyone at church is diagnosed, or if retirement communities are affected, or if multiple other local churches need to cancel, or if workplaces begin to isolate – we will re-analyze our worship gatherings and strategy. Our discernment on any next steps will continue to be driven in a compassionate honor and care for the young, sick, and elderly in our community.

Again, let’s not have worry, anxiety, and fear reign over our lives, but also take these suggested steps for each other.

• If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
• Wear gloves when serving coffee or food.
• Wash your hands and wipe down surfaces.
• Cover your coughs.
• Show caution in shaking hands.
• Sealed communion

I send my love and prayers,

Pastor Jeff McLain