|
We know the usual signs and symptoms of COVID 19 to watch for by now. They include but are not limited to:
There are 10 unusual symptoms that are seen less often but are associated with COVID 19:
As adapted from the Cleveland Clinic February 1, 2021 By Deb Taylor
0 Comments
In the last two weeks, Hanover zip code area has been a "hot spot" for COVID 19 in the York County area. Deb emphasizes that it is important for us to set an example of following masking, social distancing and hand hygiene practices when we are out.
Variants of the virus have become widespread. The United Kingdom (UK) variant B.1.1.7 is shown to spread more easily than the currently predominant strain and may be more deadly. Another variant, the South Africa B.1.351 may not be mitigated by simple 6-foot social distancing. International travel restrictions are being imposed. COVID 19 is now the number 1 cause of death in the United States, having also lowered life expectancy in the U.S. Jonas shared information obtained from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association concerning recommended best practices for singing and performing instrumental music. Normal masked singing produces equal spread to that of talking. 30 minutes of masked practice with adequate air exchange following is safe. Certain instruments would require surface cleaning/sanitizing between uses. Jonas is not considering in-person rehearsals at this point, but wanted to share information with the group. We continue to have no time limit in mind for in person, indoor worship as it is not deemed safe or appropriate at this time for our congregation. Adequate air exchange continues to be a discussion point. Our building is designed without air exchange considerations. Many of our decisions are based on legal implications as well as personal safety. Rita Bouchard discussed potentially assisting people in the congregation to obtain the vaccine or help in the process. Also, mental health issues are a vital part of dealing with the pandemic and COVID 19. (Summary by Jonas Sterner of meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider January 25, 2021) Special thanks to Pastor Bruce for communicating so effectively with print and eNewsletters. Appropriate and correct information has been relayed to members which conveys the Christian tenants of love and concern for one another.
New information on the Coronavirus, transmission and testing were shared and discussed. Vaccine information was also shared and discussed. The COVID 19 Preparedness Team at St. Jacob's Stone UCC recommends "watchful waiting." Out of Christian love and concern for one another, it is safest to continue worshiping virtually rather than at in-person indoor services. We're very fortunate to have many skilled and talented people to make this work as well as it has been working. Many issues will need to be considered to determine when indoor in-person worship can be safely resumed. Deb is always a resource for anyone to discuss issues and concerns regarding COVID 19. (Summary by Jonas Sterner of meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider December 28, 2020) Because of our current structure and heating system, the only way to provide air exchange is to open windows/doors at St. Jacob's Stone UCC. Air exchange and filtration systems are available, but none are practical for our church building. Deb continues to recommend to Consistory that we NOT resume in-person worship unless held outdoors. Consensus among the group of COVID 19 Preparedness Team.
Free-standing and wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensing units will be obtained: one for the handicapped entrance at the choir room, another by the entrance near the sexton's house currently being used if people enter the church building. Authorization for purchase or requesting donations granted by trustees. Storage of hand sanitizer refills will be upstairs and downstairs with a pump in each place. December 13, 2020 drive-in worship planned. Positive responses from members about drive in church where we tune into radio station 88.5FM. The worship service is broadcast using an FM transmitter. Monthly meetings will continue to be held on the last Monday of each month at 6:00 PM via uberconference.com/stoneucc or 717-297-0608. (Summarized by Jonas Sterner from meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider November 30, 2020) Our COVID-19 Preparedness Team has been meeting and collecting and sharing data. Led by Deb Taylor, they are kept up to date with latest research and findings, mitigation techniques and considerations for our congregation.
If returning to worship at some point, things to consider would include:
We do these things as Christians who love each other, protecting each other intentionally, just as God intentionally loves us. (Summarized by Jonas Sterner from October 6, 2020 meeting minutes by Sally Kaltreider) He is risen! He is risen indeed!! We celebrate Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday while practicing social distancing and wearing masks in public. We practice ritual handwashing and disinfect things that enter our homes. We grieve for those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and mental health issues. YET HE IS STILL RISEN. Our Savior lives and loves us. We will have a celebration using teleconferencing this Easter Sunday and beyond. Follow the schedule below and please go to the Contact page on the top menu and share prayer concerns and questions with us.
9:00am Adult Sunday School via Skype--audio only. Give us your phone number and Bruce calls you. 10:00am Early Worship via Skype, as above. 11:00am Zoom video worship. Follow this link to connect automatically. 1:00pm Kids' Sunday School using the Zoom link above. Everyone of any age is most welcome to join us. We continue to be here for you. We want to know how you are doing. Contact us and let us know if you need food delivered or if you or anyone you know needs assistance. We are more than prepared to help anyone and we encourage you to reach out to family, friends and neighbors and ask them how they are doing and encourage them to have hope. We average about 60-70 total participants each Sunday in our worship and Sunday School times and we long to reach others for Christ. Please visit us on Facebook.com/stonechurchucc and participate in the community. -Jonas We welcome you to join us for worship using Zoom at 11:00am Sunday, March 22. The following link will prompt you to download zoom software: zoom.us/j/7172129122 When downloaded, install it and "join a meeting" using our church phone number as your meeting ID: 717 212 9122.
If you want to share this post, copy the web address in the bar above and paste it on Facebook or in an email or text message to friends! We are so excited to connect with you in a new way! -Jonas A few updates:
1. Adult class Sunday School hour March 22 via Skype 9:00am. Worship will be held at 10:15am Sunday, March 22 via Skype with only an audio feed. You may connect via telephone for free by sharing your phone number with Pastor Bruce at brucebouchard@gmail.com or 717-870-9008. He will call you around 10:10am Sunday morning and you may accept, accept and immediately reject the call, or join us then leave later as you see fit by hanging up at any time. Please contact us for more details or with questions. 2. A second worship will be offered at 11:00am Sunday, March 22 via Zoom with audio and/or video feed if you wish. It is possible to listen to audio only via telephone as well at no charge. You will need to download the Zoom app or go to www.zoom.us, tap join a meeting, type in the church phone number 717-212-9122 or let Bruce know and he can give you the phone number to call to connect when you are able, then tap "Join." Again email or contact Bruce with your needs. 3. Community Lenten services are cancelled. Wednesday Night Dinners are cancelled. Choir practices are cancelled. Before attending any gathering at church, contact leadership to confirm. 4. A group has been organized to call and check in with folks who may be in need of connecting with others for various reasons. If you know of someone who would appreciate a call every few days to check in on them, share their information to Pastor Bruce. If you would like to be part of this group to call others, also contact Bruce. With your support and care, we will grow through this new experience. God has granted us courage and strength to make it through any trial, including this one. To God be all praise and glory! -Jonas Pastor Bruce, and our leadership team are closely monitoring information being shared about COVID-19, known as coronavirus. At this time, Consistory President Fred Marsh has decided that we cancel fellowship/snacks following worship until further notice, but 9:00am Sunday School and 10:15am worship are scheduled as normal for the time being. We plan to meet Sunday, March 15 during Sunday School (9:00am) and during or after worship (10:15am) to discuss measures we will take at St. Jacob's Stone UCC to reduce or eliminate our exposure to groups of people within our church family. While these precautions may seem a bit extensive or dramatic at times, we know that we must care for those who are sensitive to or at a higher risk of serious illness. It is our calling to care for all of God's family. We will continue to update here on our website and on our Facebook page. -Jonas |
Pastor Bruce Bouchard
|
RSS Feed