March 19, 2020
To our New Hope Church Family,
The current situation in our country is important. The president has asked us as a country and citizens to take some precautions to flatten the curve and protect one another during the time of this Coronavirus outbreak.
It is our desire to please the Lord in any decision that we make. While praying and fasting and meeting with some of our ministry leaders I have considered these 3 basic questions that I have heard during the President’s press conferences:
For the Christian, the answer to these questions is fairly simple. We are God’s children, brothers and sisters in Christ. The ultimate answer to any problem of this fallen world is a relationship with Christ. And finally, what is essential is that believers meet together for instruction, edification, and comfort, as the Bible commands.
We desire to be obedient to God as well as be good citizens and minister to our fellow man.
Sunday we are going to assemble on the parking lot for a ‘drive in’ service at 11:00 a.m. Everyone will stay in their own vehicle. There will be no gathering in the building. We will offer communion in individually wrapped containers. Please watch for parking attendants to direct you.
March 17, 2020
We know everyone is wanting information about church services and activities in light of the Coronavirus outbreak and recommendations from the Whitehouse and CDC. New Hope Baptist Church desires to glorify God in its decisions during this time. Spiritual care is vital, especially in an epidemic, when people are afraid and confused. The church is called to assemble together. However, it is our moral duty to take reasonable precautions to protect our community and avoid spreading disease. Please be in prayer as our leadership team makes decisions about our Sunday services. We will have an update for you on Thursday.
Please check with those older adults and people in our church family who have serious chronic medical conditions that may need assistance. If we can help them with a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy or any other need please call the church office so we can get them some help.
As you know, the current situation is very fluid and changes can happen daily. We will keep you updated here. Most recent posts will be at the top.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 13, 2020
As we know, the world is experiencing a public-health emergency with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak. Cases have been identified worldwide, including over 47 states in America. This virus is of greater than average concern because it’s new (meaning there’s no immunity from previous cases), so it spreads rapidly through groups of people. Those who wish to learn more may use the following link, among others, to find official Center for Disease Control (CDC) updates and guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
Much information and how to respond to this outbreak has already been learned. It appears that over 80% of cases of this infection result in minor illness and recovery, but just as we see with influenza, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses (cancer, lung disease, weakened immune systems, etc.) are more likely to develop a serious infection. We should all take proper precautions to help protect these who are most vulnerable.
Here is what each of us should do to help minimize the public-health effects: 1. Don’t yield to fear – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) – responding instead with faith in God, prayer, and wise behavior. 2. Do your best to reduce the risk of infection: a. Avoid needless contact with those who are sick. b. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. c. Stay home when you become sick, especially if you have a cough, shortness of breath, or a fever, since the cause of your sickness is at first uncertain. d. If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow, disposing of the tissue in the trash as soon as possible. e. Clean or disinfect frequently touched public surfaces and objects. f. Don’t use a face mask unless caring for the sick; then a mask and gloves are wise to use. g. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, coughing or sneezing, or blowing your nose. 3. Respond wisely if you do get sick, for the sake of everyone: a. Stay home unless you are seeking medical care. b. Separate yourself from others and from animals in the home. c. Call ahead before going to the doctor to get their instructions. d. Cover coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues, etc. e. Wear a face mask when around others for their protection. f. Don’t share personal household items like eating utensils, towels, cups, etc. g. Continue to wash your hands often with soap and water, while continuing to clean public surfaces and objects. h. Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care, if you get worse. i. Continue this home isolation until those giving you medical attention give the green light to discontinue.
Our trust is in the Lord, but these simple steps will go a long way to keeping us all as healthy as possible while serving God.
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