Saturday, February 29, 2020
Witness, Share and Evangelize: A Letter from Bob and Kristi Rice, serving in Sout...
Unbound - And She Will Gather Us
Cupping lips with mitted hands to summon us
inside, she offers fresh-baked bread wafting
over our clamor,
inside, she offers fresh-baked bread wafting
over our clamor,
some of us debating decades-old wounds
such as who broke the china Mom left behind,
priceless, irreplaceable,
such as who broke the china Mom left behind,
priceless, irreplaceable,
some of our hands guiltily empty because we forgot
promised sides. And there, new neighbors won’t stop
laughing
from barstools about inside jokes they won’t explain,
and we don’t understand. We miss her pug, passed
and we don’t understand. We miss her pug, passed
away
too soon last fall, regret snapping when fur
blanketed her freshly-vacuumed floors. Still,
blanketed her freshly-vacuumed floors. Still,
from cypress trees
she calls us, even wealthy cousins whispering
about who wore the worst outfits, from her garden
about who wore the worst outfits, from her garden
she calls us
as we’re comparing egg hunt harvests, kids yelling
over ten dollar bills. Unveiled in a crowded kitchen
over ten dollar bills. Unveiled in a crowded kitchen
in springtime,
brownies, apple pies, key limes breathe holy
aromas, just-clipped pale hyacinths crowning
aromas, just-clipped pale hyacinths crowning
her table.
A neighbor cusses through her blessing, his fault
for pushing past me to steal a better seat, gravy
for pushing past me to steal a better seat, gravy
spilling over
his too-thick necktie. Alleuia, Christ rose, can we
eat before we crucify each other? She smiles, says
eat before we crucify each other? She smiles, says
amen, every year
our table grows. Yes, maybe someone rose, maybe
they didn’t. What I really love is these loaves steaming
they didn’t. What I really love is these loaves steaming
as she pushes them
in front of flowers, fitting more plates, pulling
porch chairs for others who might come hungry
porch chairs for others who might come hungry
out of their tombs.
Amy Cerniglia is the director of music and organist at Peace Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, Florida. Her writing has been published in The Presbyterian Outlook, The American Organist, and The Hymn Society’s new
collection, Songs for the Holy Other. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Divinity at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
collection, Songs for the Holy Other. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Divinity at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Pandemic Planning: Home and Family Preparedness
A pandemic occurs when a disease becomes widespread over a country or globally. This fact sheet provides information on how families can prepare and protect themselves in a flu pandemic.
Background
A severe pandemic (defined as a worldwide epidemic) in a vulnerable population, such as the 1918 flu pandemic, represents a worst-case scenario for pandemic planning and preparedness. Communities, individuals, employers, schools, and other organizations are being asked to plan for the use of interventions that will help limit the spread of disease. Pandemic concerns escalated due to spread of avian influenza (H5N1) virus, which has the potential to threaten human health, among animals in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. In 2009 a pandemic occurred from a new influenza virus called H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on). This virus is spreading from person to person worldwide. Health experts are predicting that we will see a continuation of the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus.
General Precautions
Observe general precautions including hand washing, avoiding contact with possibly infected poultry, or consuming undercooked poultry or poultry products.
If one of your family or household members becomes ill, they should be isolated in a separate room. If several members are sick, they can be isolated in the same room. When caring for those who are ill, you will need some appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including the following:
Cups, glasses, dishes, all eating utensils, and thermometers must be disinfected after use by the ill person. The eating utensils can be disinfected either by use of a dishwasher or dishwater with 1.5 tsp. of household bleach to one gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Remember that handling these items while they are still contaminated will lead to possible infection. Therefore, wear gloves while handling potentially contaminated items.
Surfaces in the room of the infected persons should be cleaned with a solution of bleach water as noted above or with Lysol® or Clorox® spray, wipes, or liquid. Pay particular attention to faucets, doorknobs, telephones, the refrigerator, the oven, and toilet flush handles. This should be done whenever there is contact by an infected person or 2-3 times a day. Linens and clothing need to be washed in warm water with detergent and preferably dried in a dryer. Remember, if you are not careful in your personal protective wear and hygiene measures, you may carry infected material on your skin or clothing, which may contaminate others or yourself. Designate a specific garbage bag for infected, disposable materials.
Isolation
If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home and isolated from your household except to seek medical care. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Seek medical care if you have signs of pneumonia or severe lung infection (difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a persistent fever over 102° F or 38.9° C).
If there are other cases of influenza in your neighborhood, it would be safest to keep your children in your yard or home away from others who may be infected. Plan in advance what will need to be done or who you can call upon if you are either alone, ill and incapacitated, or if the adults in the household become ill and incapacitated. Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Schools and daycare facilities will likely close. Plan your child care in advance and how you might function by working at home, for example, or how college-age family members can assist in child care during the time their colleges and universities are closed. Having multiple younger children from several households in one home for daycare is less than optimal due to the high risk of spreading the disease.
Limit your exposure to public places; this may include a grocery trip only once a week rather than every few days. In addition to the recommended food and water storage items, keep a supply of your prescription medications, nonprescription drugs, and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, vitamins, rubbing alcohol, thermometers, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies. Keep your car filled with gas and have cash on hand in case banks are closed or services are limited. Use the over-the-counter medications as directed on the container.
Maintain social distancing (see the Pandemic Planning—Social Distancing fact sheet for more details) and stay at least six feet away from others at all times, particularly in public. Avoid shaking hands and other forms of contact. Use proper cough and sneeze etiquette even if you are not ill (see the Pandemic Planning—Personal Hygiene fact sheet for more details). Be sure to teach your children the proper hand washing and cough and sneeze behaviors as well. If you are ill, you need to be isolated from those who are healthy, even in your own household.
BackgroundA severe pandemic (defined as a worldwide epidemic) in a vulnerable population, such as the 1918 flu pandemic, represents a worst-case scenario for pandemic planning and preparedness. Communities, individuals, employers, schools, and other organizations are being asked to plan for the use of interventions that will help limit the spread of disease. Pandemic concerns escalated due to spread of avian influenza (H5N1) virus, which has the potential to threaten human health, among animals in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. In 2009 a pandemic occurred from a new influenza virus called H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on). This virus is spreading from person to person worldwide. Health experts are predicting that we will see a continuation of the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus.
General Precautions
Observe general precautions including hand washing, avoiding contact with possibly infected poultry, or consuming undercooked poultry or poultry products.
If one of your family or household members becomes ill, they should be isolated in a separate room. If several members are sick, they can be isolated in the same room. When caring for those who are ill, you will need some appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including the following:
- Disposable vinyl, nitrile, or latex gloves or other reusable gloves that can be disinfected.
- Protective clothing (long sleeved coveralls with a waterproof apron) or a disposable surgical gown.
- Disposable shoe covers or those that can be disinfected.
- Safety goggles or face shield.
- Wear at least the minimum level of respiratory protection, which is a surgical mask or preferably an N95 respirator.
- These items must be removed in the proper sequence to avoid contaminating yourself.
Cups, glasses, dishes, all eating utensils, and thermometers must be disinfected after use by the ill person. The eating utensils can be disinfected either by use of a dishwasher or dishwater with 1.5 tsp. of household bleach to one gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Remember that handling these items while they are still contaminated will lead to possible infection. Therefore, wear gloves while handling potentially contaminated items.
Surfaces in the room of the infected persons should be cleaned with a solution of bleach water as noted above or with Lysol® or Clorox® spray, wipes, or liquid. Pay particular attention to faucets, doorknobs, telephones, the refrigerator, the oven, and toilet flush handles. This should be done whenever there is contact by an infected person or 2-3 times a day. Linens and clothing need to be washed in warm water with detergent and preferably dried in a dryer. Remember, if you are not careful in your personal protective wear and hygiene measures, you may carry infected material on your skin or clothing, which may contaminate others or yourself. Designate a specific garbage bag for infected, disposable materials.
Isolation
If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home and isolated from your household except to seek medical care. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Seek medical care if you have signs of pneumonia or severe lung infection (difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a persistent fever over 102° F or 38.9° C).
If there are other cases of influenza in your neighborhood, it would be safest to keep your children in your yard or home away from others who may be infected. Plan in advance what will need to be done or who you can call upon if you are either alone, ill and incapacitated, or if the adults in the household become ill and incapacitated. Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Schools and daycare facilities will likely close. Plan your child care in advance and how you might function by working at home, for example, or how college-age family members can assist in child care during the time their colleges and universities are closed. Having multiple younger children from several households in one home for daycare is less than optimal due to the high risk of spreading the disease.
Limit your exposure to public places; this may include a grocery trip only once a week rather than every few days. In addition to the recommended food and water storage items, keep a supply of your prescription medications, nonprescription drugs, and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, vitamins, rubbing alcohol, thermometers, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies. Keep your car filled with gas and have cash on hand in case banks are closed or services are limited. Use the over-the-counter medications as directed on the container.
Maintain social distancing (see the Pandemic Planning—Social Distancing fact sheet for more details) and stay at least six feet away from others at all times, particularly in public. Avoid shaking hands and other forms of contact. Use proper cough and sneeze etiquette even if you are not ill (see the Pandemic Planning—Personal Hygiene fact sheet for more details). Be sure to teach your children the proper hand washing and cough and sneeze behaviors as well. If you are ill, you need to be isolated from those who are healthy, even in your own household.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Preparedness for Pandemics
Guidance for Congregations in Response to Severe Infectious Disease Outbreak
As the media generates interest in the current
outbreak of Coronavirus, presbyteries and
congregations have an opportunity for a
‘teachable moment’ about how to prepare for and
respond to widespread contagious diseases. As
you begin to plan, two items to address are what
can/should be done NOW, and what may be
necessary LATER.
WHAT TO DO NOW………..........
Create a task force to coordinate the church’s response within the congregation and in the community. Name one person the primary contact for all messages related to the response.
Precautions
Take common sense precautions to slow or prevent the spread of the flu among members:
Develop a list of individuals from the congregation and the community who may have special needs in the event of a medical emergency, and define how the church can be involved in their support.
Training
Provide educational resources in simple, easily understood form.
If a pandemic event is imminent in your state or community, the following actions are recommended:
Community Outreach
Many governmental planners assume that churches will be the principal providers of palliative care and food distribution. There will be differing responses, depending on the state response plan and the perceived severity of the outbreak.
In order to know what your local plan will be, it is important to connect with local emergency management systems, either through the Emergency Operations Center or the local organization that responds in disaster. Many communities have a coordinating group called a VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) or a disaster committee that is part of the American Red Cross. Someone from the congregation should register with at least one of these groups as a point of contact for the church.
Clergy and other staff should consider taking Red Cross training and registering with the Red Cross.
Current Status
Please monitor the following websites for current information:
In a Stage 6 Pandemic, the method for containing the spread of the disease is to require social isolation of infected people; and to reduce opportunitiesfor social contacts among the non- affected. Businesses could close; schools and day care centers would close; travel would be restricted.
Churches will need to decide on the proper mix of isolation (cancelling activities) versus maintaining or increasing community mission programs.
Before a Stage 6 Pandemic is declared, the church should have a plan for governance and decision-making, considering the inability to meet face to face. Conference calls might be used to conduct Session business; actions would need to be confirmed at a regular meeting following the lifting of restrictions. Congregations and presbyteries can write specific guidelines in their standing rules concerning electronic meetings.
Develop a means for worship when the congregation cannot gather. Some options:
As the media generates interest in the current
outbreak of Coronavirus, presbyteries and
congregations have an opportunity for a
‘teachable moment’ about how to prepare for and
respond to widespread contagious diseases. As
you begin to plan, two items to address are what
can/should be done NOW, and what may be
necessary LATER.WHAT TO DO NOW………..........
Create a task force to coordinate the church’s response within the congregation and in the community. Name one person the primary contact for all messages related to the response.
Precautions
Take common sense precautions to slow or prevent the spread of the flu among members:
- Ask ill members to stay home. Provide alternative spiritual care for those who cannot attend worship or other functions due to these precautions.
- Ask members to sit in alternate rows, to provide the recommended 3’ social distance during an outbreak.
- Train ushers to assist those who may be affected. Tissues, small bottles of sanitizer, and masks can help.
- Have alcohol-based hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol) in the restrooms for use after hand washing.
- Increase diligence when cleaning kitchens, restrooms, and classrooms. Use disinfectant spray on all hard surfaces, including door handles.
- Clean children’s toys in Sunday school classes and day care facilities after each class. Mix one part household bleach to ten parts water (make fresh solution for the day of use), or use Clorox® surface spray with bleach.
- Turn off and mark all water fountains “do not use”.
- Increase the supervision of small children in hygiene habits (day care and Sunday school.)
- Consider changing communion practices away from common cup and shared loaf. Consider using prefilled communion sets or have on the celebrant, gloved, handle bread disbursement. Prepare elements wearing gloves and masks. Keep elements covered until used. Communicants can be brought forward by rows.
- During passing of the peace, simply smile and say the words, without hugs or handshakes.
- Ensure that those handling food (for any church functions including Meals on Wheels, food pantry or in-house food service) follow enhanced precautions for safe food handling, including the use of gloves, masks, and hair coverings.
Develop a list of individuals from the congregation and the community who may have special needs in the event of a medical emergency, and define how the church can be involved in their support.
Training
- Ask local hospital or health care agencies to provide training to members on palliative care and using infectious disease precautions when in the home of affected members.
- Those who will provide ongoing pastoral and spiritual care in homes during an outbreak should be REQUIRED to have infectious disease precaution training NOW.
Provide educational resources in simple, easily understood form.
- SIGNS – Make or ask children to make signs reminding people to wash their hands with soap and water frequently.
- BULLETIN INSERT – Create a bulletin insert encouraging best health practices. Inform members about “social distancing” so others will not be offended by a lack of hugs or handshakes, including during passing of the peace.
- HANDOUTS – prepare information (in the languages of the congregation and community) about caring for someone who has the flu. Include information about what services the church has available to help with home care.
- Order Light Our Way – A Guide to Spiritual Care in Times of Disaster online at https://pda.pcusa.org/pda/resource/lightour-way/ Provide copies for staff, church leadership, and those who may be engaged in spiritual and pastoral care.
If a pandemic event is imminent in your state or community, the following actions are recommended:
Community Outreach
Many governmental planners assume that churches will be the principal providers of palliative care and food distribution. There will be differing responses, depending on the state response plan and the perceived severity of the outbreak.
In order to know what your local plan will be, it is important to connect with local emergency management systems, either through the Emergency Operations Center or the local organization that responds in disaster. Many communities have a coordinating group called a VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) or a disaster committee that is part of the American Red Cross. Someone from the congregation should register with at least one of these groups as a point of contact for the church.
Clergy and other staff should consider taking Red Cross training and registering with the Red Cross.
Current Status
Please monitor the following websites for current information:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
- The World Heal Organization: www.who.int
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov
In a Stage 6 Pandemic, the method for containing the spread of the disease is to require social isolation of infected people; and to reduce opportunitiesfor social contacts among the non- affected. Businesses could close; schools and day care centers would close; travel would be restricted.
Churches will need to decide on the proper mix of isolation (cancelling activities) versus maintaining or increasing community mission programs.
Before a Stage 6 Pandemic is declared, the church should have a plan for governance and decision-making, considering the inability to meet face to face. Conference calls might be used to conduct Session business; actions would need to be confirmed at a regular meeting following the lifting of restrictions. Congregations and presbyteries can write specific guidelines in their standing rules concerning electronic meetings.
Develop a means for worship when the congregation cannot gather. Some options:
- Contact local radio stations to explore remote feeds or taped worship.
- Contact the local Cable TV network about broadcasting videotape of worship services, church messages, or other events.
- Ask your computer internet service provider about podcasts and live internet feeds of worship, Sunday school classes, or other events. While the initial investment may be costly, this could open up a whole new ministry for those unable to attend - at a very reasonable continuing cost. Web based conferencing video/audio services such as skype.com or gotomeeting.com might be helpful.
- Plan ways to encourage congregants to make their pledges. Give simple, clear instructions about the options open to members.
- Talk to vendors and utility companies about reduced operations at the church due to closures.
- Plan for continuing office operations and whether increased security will be warranted during closures. Can some employees work from home?
- Food pantry ministry – discuss a plan to continue operations within the guidelines for public gatherings and with precautions not to spread the flu. Is home delivery viable?
- Member care group - explore how to provide palliative care and nutrition support to those unable to care for themselves (because of prior conditions or the flu.)
- Meals on wheels or other home feeding programs may be expanded to accommodate additional needs.
- How can the church provide support to families if businesses, schools and manufacturing plants close? How will the church care for the homeless and the displaced due to economic disruptions in the community?
- How can churches work together to provide support to those affected? Can churches share Parish Nurses and Stephen Ministers?
Friday, February 28, 2020
Churches, Denominations and Religions: WCRC eNews: February 2020 - Peace Campaign, Partne...
Doctors without Borders - Schools hosting displaced families attacked in Syria
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Action Alert - Protect the National Environmental Protection Act!
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Sojo Mail - Reckoning with the revelations about Jean Vanier
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WCC NEWS: WCC expresses deep sadness, concern over mob violence in India
The World Council of Churches (WCC), along with its member churches in India and the fellowship of Christians all over the world, expressed deep sadness and concern over the ongoing communal mob violence in the northeast district of Delhi, which since 23 February, has led to more than 20 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and destruction of properties, with places of worship being desecrated and destroyed.“In a context where religion is being wrongly invoked as a basis for violence, we pray that hate-mongering and hostility will be replaced by peace, justice, reconciliation and healing,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. “Our thoughts and prayers are with communities and families who have lost their loved ones or have been hurt, in this violence.”
Tveit continued: “It is our prayer that at this point in history India, which has a long history of peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths, will uphold its secular and democratic foundations and the much cherished values of harmony and 'ahimsa' (nonviolence), which have sustained its social fabric,” he said. “In the midst of the escalation of violence, we pray that the authorities, lawmakers and police can govern justly, maintain the rule of law, and protect the vulnerable people and their livelihood.”
Tveit further urged the joint and committed efforts of all religious communities and people of good will to overcome feelings of hatred and bitterness. “As many Christians prepare to usher in the period of Lent on this Ash Wednesday we pray for our member churches in India,” he said. “As we commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ; let us in the light of the cross, the sign of hope, persevere as peacebuilders, confident that violence will not have the last say.”
The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
Presbyterian Justice & Peace - A social witness focus on General Assembly
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