If you’re like me, I’m sure you’re being overwhelmed with information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As a church, we’re keeping close tabs on the situation and will be updating you as the situation progresses, especially if schools close or public gatherings are banned.
We want to approach this time of uncertainty not driven by fear, but by our care and commitment to the safety and well being of our church family, neighbors and local community. As Christians, our hope is in Jesus and therefore we can – in faith, care for our bodies wisely, serve one another and love our neighbors.
Here are a couple things that you will be seeing starting this Sunday:
- Our greeters will be warmly greeting everyone with a friendly wave and a smile instead of a handshake.
- We will not consider it rude for you to wave or give an elbow bump instead of handshakes and/or hugs.
- We have always had hand sanitizer available but it will now be more visible.
- We have placed Clorox wipes in our bathrooms should you desire to use them.
- Speaking of Clorox, we will be deep cleaning common contact areas that people will be regularly touching (such as door handles and counter tops) before each service.
- You will see changes in the way we serve communion weekly to minimize exposure.
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions that we would encourage you to take:
- If you are not feeling well, we ask that you stay home. If your child has a fever or flu-like symptoms, please keep them home as well. Should you stay home for health reasons, please join us for one of our online services at c3ocala.com/live or on on our church Facebook page.
- Please continue to financially support our ministries by regularly giving online as well or through the Central App even if not present or able to attend.
- Avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash hands regularly using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home and vehicle using regular household cleaning supplies such as Clorox or Lysol.
- If you have traveled outside of the country, especially to areas affected by coronavirus, please follow the CDC recommendations.
All in all, let’s be wise. Let’s listen to what the medical professionals are saying and then adjust our behavior to match the risk and reality of the situation. Let’s not contribute to panic, fear or stockpiling; all of which damage public health in the long run. Let’s remember that we were not given a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). And please continue to pray!
Thank you for your help, cooperation and understanding as we work to make sure everyone stays healthy. We will continue to moniter the situation carefully, and will follow recommendations from local, state and national agencies.
Hope to see you this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 AM.
Pastor Doug
