03/12/2020
Hello all Community Healing Hub at MCLC friends. We pray that all are staying well and healthy. We are here to support you!
Members and Friends of MCLC,
You likely have been hearing a great deal about the Corona virus (Covid 19). Here are some basic facts, a review of actions you can take, and the actions MCLC is taking. Covid 19 is a respiratory virus, spread by droplets (e.g., when someone sneezes or coughs). Based on what is currently known on 3-12-20, the MN Department of Health is not issuing a recommendation at this time to cancel community events such as church gatherings. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk. People at higher risk are encouraged to avoid crowds as much as possible. Your MCLC staff continues to receive daily updates from the MN Department of Health, the CDC, and local health organizations; and will update our practices as warranted.
Protecting yourself from this virus involves avoiding (as much as possible) contact with the virus. In other words, Mom was right: wash your hands frequently and well (with soap and water, lathering for at least 20 seconds); cover your cough; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; and stay home when you are ill. As the virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person in close contact (within about 6 feet); avoiding close contact (known as social distancing) will minimize risk. This will clearly impact the sharing of the peace. Until further notice, we would encourage you not to shake hands before, during, or after worship. You may greet one another with a smile, a nod, a wave, or other gesture.
Here at MCLC, sanitizer is available at the entrance to the church, in the chapel, in all restrooms, the sacristy, nursery, kitchen, and office. Many folks already step out to use this following the offering or before communion.
Those who work with food service wear gloves and provide tongs and serving utensils when handling food. Our individual communion cups and used nursery toys are disinfected with hot soapy water, followed by a bleach solution. Shelves in the nursery are wiped down with a disinfectant solution. You may also have noticed Sue Arens wiping down the handrails, doorknobs, and elevator buttons with disinfectant wipes. In your home, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work, or you may use a diluted bleach solution of 4 teaspoons bleach in a quart of water. Make sure the bleach is not past the expiration date.
There are multiple sources from which to get accurate information, some more helpful than others. Here are two helpful resources: CDC.gov, which has a wealth of information on the virus and general health promotion, and MN Department of Health (health.state.mn.us). Each site has a section devoted to the corona virus.
Working together with you in God’s Hope, Healing, and Wholeness,
Pastor Dan Ankerfelt
Pastor Sally Ankerfelt
Deacon Sue Arens, Parish Nurse
