Stewardship Seconds

This Week at Essex

 Church Life Amid H1N1

News and rumours abound about the H1N1 virus. What about its impact on
congregations and public worship?

Local public health units are the best source for local facts and
information. They can provide guidance on what you should do in the
event of a serious outbreak and may in fact issue public warnings about
gatherings of large groups. They are also an excellent source for
educating others on precautions to take to reduce the spread of the
virus.

Here are some things to consider about church life in particular:

Do we need to change our Sunday worship?
Shaking hands, passing the peace, the common cup-contact, contact,
contact! In every instance, there is an element of risk.. Recently, some
United Church ministers shared what they have implemented in their own
congregations. The traditional passing of the peace has been replaced
with a sideways hug or individuals clasping their own hands together and
bowing. Shaking hands with congregants at the end of the service has
been discontinued in some churches. Intinction has been temporarily
discontinued during communion in other churches.

For more information, see the following:

*         Being Faithful during Cold and Flu Season
<http://www.united-church.ca/files/local/duty/faithful.pdf>
(www.united-church.ca/files/local/duty/faithful.pdf) outlines other
suggestions for adapting worship.

*         H1N1 flu virus check list for congregations
<http://www.ncccusa.org/news/091015h1n1guidelines.html> ,
(www.ncccusa.org/news/091015h1n1guidelines.html) released by the
National Council of Churches Health Task Force, lists precautions to
take.


Should we cancel special events we have planned?
If schools are cancelling field trips, it may be wise not to hold the
annual youth retreat. If the public health unit is cautioning against
large gatherings, consider whether you should go ahead with the turkey
dinner or annual bazaar. Ask these questions:

*         Will postponing this event have a negative impact?

*         Will holding the event pose a health risk to our community?

Finding the balance between need and risk will help you make the right
decision.

How do we offer worship if we can't hold Sunday services?

Emerging technology offers alternatives for the technically savvy. For
those who are less technically inclined or have limited access to
technology, here are some alternatives:

* Do you have a prayer chain that can pray at a set time each day?
* Do you have a regular Bible study reading list that people can
use without meeting face to face?
* Does a local radio or television station broadcast a Sunday
service?

Also consider who might fill in if the minister, organist, music
director, or worship committee chair is sick.

Should we stop pastoral visits to the hospital and those sick at home?

While visits from the minister or pastoral team are welcome to those who
are ill or unable to get out, these visits may also be a potential risk
for the visitor and the people being visited. Hospitals and nursing
homes may set their own rules. At home, undertake visits with an
understanding of the potential risks. Being diligent about hand-washing
or using hand sanitizer is essential. If the person who usually does the
visiting is ill, he or she should not visit in person.. A phone call to
check in with people and provide support is one alternative.

For more information, see the following:

*         Breaking the Chain
<http://www.united-church.ca/files/local/duty/chain.pdf>
(www.united-church.ca/files/local/duty/chain.pdf) gives suggestions that
may be useful in planning pastoral visits.

*         Emergency Planning
<http://www.united-church.ca/local/duty/emergency>
(www.united-church.ca/local/duty/emergency) has additional resources and links to help congregations and community ministries.

 
Take the time now to consider how you might continue to provide faithful
ministry in the event of a widespread outbreak.

In partnership,

Bev Oag
Duty of Care and Incorporated Ministries
Tel: 416-231-7680, ext. 4094
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781, ext. 4094
E-mail: Duty of Care <javascript:glwb('united-church.ca','dutyofcare')>

 





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