“WASH YOUR HANDS AND SAY YOUR PRAYERS BECAUSE JESUS AND GERMS ARE EVERYWHERE!”
When I was shopping recently I was surprised to see a set of towels embroidered with this saying! My first response was to laugh, thinking, “Who on earth would buy these?” But now, a few weeks later, with the increasing concern about spread of the coronavirus (CoVid-19) I think I might actually go back to the store and buy them. Upon further thought, that slogan has some merit. As we’ve been seeing and hearing in the news, it’s great advice to wash our hands often, and for Christians, praying and being reminded that Jesus’ love is everywhere is a calming antidote to being anxious over becoming ill.
At Christ Congregational Church we are making some changes and taking precautions to help prevent the spread of illness. In your worship bulletins this Sunday you will find the insert “Coronavirus and the Church” put out by the UCC’s National Office. It gives good guidelines for congregations saying, “…the church is called to education, caution and common sense.”
In worship, we will be suspending the physical Passing of the Peace for now. There will also be changes in how the Communion elements are dispersed, which will be shared with you. Hand sanitizers are available in the Sanctuary and in Kelsey Hall for your convenience, and our restrooms are stocked with plenty of soap.
If you are feeling sick, please stay home and take care of yourself. Remember that you can always watch the sermon on our Facebook page, thanks to Daniel. If you should become ill and need help in any way, please contact me or advise Michelle in the Church Office. We are fortunate to be part of a church family that really cares about each other and is always ready to help in practical ways.
Be sure to keep in prayer those who are ill and to lift up all the health professionals who are caring for the sick.
Remember in all the worrisome times in life we are grounded in God’s love.
Peace and good health to you.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy