Covid-19: Messages fROM OUR UNITED METHODIST LEADERSHIP
The March 13 message below was emailed to those who subscribe to the Chimes, St. Paul’s weekly e-letter. If you did not receive it, please contact dadair@stpaulshouston.org to ensure that you receive future communications.
March 13, 2020
WORSHIP ONLINE THIS SUNDAY
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25a)
Dear St. Paul's family,
In light of the COVID-19 situation and the urging of our city and county officials, we invite you to gather in worship with us online this Sunday, March 15 at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:05 am.
Please do not come to the church building. The St. Paul's campus will be closed to all activities. This includes our typical in-person gathering for worship as well as all Sunday Schools, small groups, and childcare. We will send a thorough update when this changes, and will update the St. Paul's website as well.
The city and county held a press conference this afternoon asking the community to partner with the city to slow the occurrence of illness in this season. We have the opportunity to learn from the occurrence of COVID-19 in other countries, Seattle, and San Francisco and are using these findings to act proactively so that our healthcare system can keep up with the occurrence of illness here in the greater Houston area.
During this press conference they urged organizers to cancel large gatherings. The robust worshipping and formation community of St. Paul's fits within the range of those being asked to find alternative ways of gathering that are not in-person. As a community who cares for the well-being of not only our congregation but of all God's people, we are ready to follow the guidance of the county and city.
We are in continued conversation with the Mayor and other city and county officials so that we can be capable partners in this opportunity to act proactively. Officials will continue to talk with us and update faith communities throughout the afternoon and evening so that we can all plan to care for our congregations as best as we can.
Please continue to be in prayer for those who are affected physically, economically, and emotionally in this time. As we practice social distancing in the hopes of avoiding a spike of immediate illness, we are mindful of those for whom isolation is a hardship. As you check in and connect with your small groups via phone and email, please let our pastoral staff know if there are those you are particularly mindful of who may not be able to livestream, or who are particularly isolated.
In this season, may we provoke one another to show love and good deeds, encouraging one another in the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
How to worship with St. Paul’s via livestream
To worship online via livestream, use this link or St. Paul's app.
The worship bulletins are provided on the web link. Just click on the black box to see the bulletin for the service you wish.
To download the app on your mobile device, send a text to the number 77977 with "stpaulshouston app" as your message, and you will receive a text back with a link to download the app. The app also is available via the App Store and Google Play. Within the app, to get to the worship service, tap "Connect" at the bottom, then "Worship Livestream."
March 7, 2020
Dear St. Paul's Family,
We care about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health of our community. As those called to care for the whole of the Body of Christ, we strive to ensure that our worship and community life are safe and accessible to all -- from the healthiest to the most vulnerable. We continually evaluate best practices to mitigate the occurrence of viruses like the seasonal flu or novel coronavirus and will continue to exercise abundant precaution to promote the hygiene and well-being of the congregation.
As cases of the coronavirus become present in the Houston area, it is even more important that we all take precautions based in facts and not fear to ensure the health and safety of all. At St. Paul's, we are taking precautions, and we encourage you to follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other public health leaders to take the following steps:
Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald, Senior Pastor, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston
Please stay home if you are feeling ill. Any sneezing and coughing will raise the concerns of others. Remember that in worship, there may be people who are of higher risk than you are. You can livestream the service via this link or St. Paul's app.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you do cough or sneeze, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
At St. Paul's we will continue with worship and other activities as usual, with these adjustments:
Encourage the elbow bump or a peace sign in lieu of the handshake or hug as we greet one another.
Move to individual cups in trays in our services that celebrate Holy Communion, rather than receiving elements by intinction. We will continue to emphasize appropriate sanitary practices in receiving and serving communion.
Rather than pass the offering plate, the plates will be located on tables at entrances to the sanctuary. During the Offertory we will contemplate Renewing our spiritual practices.
Place additional hand sanitizer dispensers in accessible spots around the church.
Increase our cleaning and sterilization of surfaces in the public spaces.
Because this situation changes daily, we will continue to monitor the health and safety needs of the community. If other changes are necessary, we will keep you informed. Please continue to pray for all of those affected by this virus and another round of flu.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald
Bishop Jones Encourages Churches to Be a Calm Presence as They Prepare for COVID-19
Bishop Scott Jones, Texas Annual Conference
March 6, 2020
As coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread around the globe, fears about the outbreak have also grown. Since the first diagnosis in China in December 2019, the virus has spread to 37 nations to date, including places where United Methodists reside. Bishop Scott J. Jones is asking congregations in the Texas Annual Conference to be aware and to take precautions – and to pray for individuals affected by COVID-19.
“I urge our leaders to be a calm presence, yet to also be prepared should a widespread outbreak affect our communities and local churches,” Bishop Jones said.
He encourages church leaders to prepare by completing the CDC Faith Based and Community Organization Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist.
In addition, Jones recommends that congregations consider in what form they can provide emotional and spiritual care for the sick. He also suggests that churches develop a plan in case worship services are interrupted. For example, he said that online worship and giving can always continue. Churches can also post resources on their websites for members.
“This is the time where we as United Methodists are reminded how important our responsibilities are as spiritual caretakers and to be partakers of accurate information,” the Bishop said. “As we pray and shepherd our churches during this time, please also remember our faithful and compassionate response to our sisters and brothers across the world.”
In the meantime, churches can consider ways to amend worship to make it safer during this time.For example, congregations can keep hand sanitizer onsite and think of alternatives to shaking hands or hugging across the pews.
Staying healthy is, after all, in the DNA of the UMC. John Wesley wrote both about physical and spiritual health. The Houston Methodist Hospital, a leader in medical care, is also preparing for the coronavirus.
Marc Boom, CEO of Houston Methodist Hospital, said that one of the most effective measures to combat a potential pandemic due to the COVID-19 virus is accurate and timely information.
“As health care workers we have a responsibility to educate ourselves on COVID-19 so that we can best serve our patients should illness from COVID-19 emerge in our community,” he said.
Houston Methodist has created an FAQ about coronavirus, and Phillips also suggests following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Phillips said that, as of today, 11 states have confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“Remember to practice great hand hygiene,” he added.“ Also encourage your friends and family to follow the CDC’s prevention recommendations such as washing your hands, covering your cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your face.”
There are a number of precautions to take, including:
Wash your hands often, with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep a distance socially, especially if someone is sneezing and coughing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or even your elbow, when coughing or sneezing.
Get care immediately if you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Try calling ahead for an appointment to limit exposure to others.
Stay informed. There are a number of reliable resources, including the WHO, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and Global Health Tracker.
Staying calm is on top of the list, Bishop Jones added. He said that now is the time to assess and prepare in case an outbreak occurs in the Texas Annual Conference.
He added that feeling stressed is normal in a time of crisis. Talking to family, friends and church members can help. He asks that individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle – through nutrition, exercise, and proper amounts of sleep.
On an international level, the UMC has helped with the crisis in China since early February, when the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) issued an emergency grant to Amity Foundation in Nanjing, China.
The grant immediately enabled infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures tolimit the spread of respiratory diseases in affected areas.Funding for all continued assistance is being provided through UMCOR’s Global Health fund.
To learn more,including ways to donate, visit Advance.umcor.org.
Coronavirus: What to Know, How to Help
Feb 28, 2020
With new cases being diagnosed seemingly every hour, the question of “How concerned should I be about Coronavirus?” is being asked by many around the world.
Coronavirus as viewed under an electron microscope.
The first cases of Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, were diagnosed in China in December 2019. Since then, the illness with pneumonia-type symptoms, has spread to 37 nations to-date, including countries where United Methodists reside and attend church.
While places where people gather in close proximity, such as worship services, may be vulnerable, there are simple steps to take to limit risks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Above all, anyone feeling unwell should stay home and seek medical care.
Other tips include:
Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Maintain social distancing. Keep 3 feet or 1 meter between yourself and anyone who is sneezing and coughing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Viruses can live on surfaces, where your hands may touch. Once on your hands, the virus may enter your body.
Practice respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately.
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Call ahead for an appointment to limit your exposure to others.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider. Stay up-to-date on Coronavirus by checking reliable sources, such as the WHO, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and Global Health Tracker.
Staying healthy is in our DNA
Discussing health in the church dates back to John Wesley, who wrote extensively about staying physically healthy, as well as spiritually healthy. Bishop Elaine Stanovsky, in a recent blog post, reminds United Methodists that holding spiritual and social holiness together is a “mark of Methodist distinction.”
Particularly as we move through the Lenten season, Stanovsky encourages all United Methodists to practice reasonable precautions to stay virus-free.
Staying calm tops of the list of how to respond to Coronavirus, writes Bishop David Bard. The Michigan bishop has asked the Conference Disaster Response Coordinators and the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration to consider how congregations can best respond to the global health crisis.
“There is no need for immediate action,” Bard writes. “But now is a good time to calmly assess the possible impact on our local churches if an outbreak occurs in Michigan.”
How to help
The United Methodist Church, through UMCOR, has been helping with the crisis in China since early February when the United Methodist agency issued an emergency grant to an organization working to limit the spread of Coronavirus in China.
Funding for all continued assistance is being provided through UMCOR’s Global Health fund. Learn more, including how to give to Advance #3021770, at Advance.umcor.org.
Information compiled from various sources by United Methodist Communications.