As the information about the presence and spread of the Corona Virus continues to unfold daily, it is helpful to share and important for you to know what MCC Hartford is doing to keep everyone as safe as possible. Your safety is important to the Church while we also hold that church community is crucial; so, we plan to take some common sense precautions.
First, let’s start with some general facts as we know them.
COVID-19 is transmitted by inhaling droplets from infected persons transmitted by droplets from coughs or sneezes or breath. There is also concern when those droplets from sneezes or coughs from infected persons land on surfaces where they can be touched and transmitted. The incubation period is 2-14 days, so if you think you might be affected, stay home for 14 days along with any immediate members of your family.
Mild symptoms present for 80% of the population that has been exposed. At this time (March 5, 2020), the best research and case history shows that people over 60 years of age and those with underlying medical issues are the most vulnerable.
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds under running water. Try saying the Lord’s Prayer to make sure you wash for a full 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer will also help.
Knowing all of this, and in the interest of safety and prevention, we are making the following adjustments to our church practices:
Church Best Practices We Will Follow We will continue to hold worship services, special events, and Board Meetings as normal, unless new information comes forward that indicates new precautions are needed. We encourage people who are sick, not to attend church events, for the safety of others.
Communion We will continue our longstanding practice to have communion celebrants sanitize their hands during the blessing of the elements. Beginning Sunday March 8, all communion servers will wash or sanitize their hands before serving. There will be hand sanitizer stations available, so each person can also sanitize their hands before/after receiving communion, as well.
Personal Prayer during Communion - suspended Beginning Sunday March 15, personal prayer will be available in the conference room and library areas. We encourage you to consider personal prayer by phone with one of our lay ministers or the pastor.
Passing the Offering Plate Beginning Sunday March 15, the ushers will sanitize their hands and then receive the offering from each individual who is giving -- to avoid passing the plate across multiple hands. Plates will be wiped down after each service. If you would rather, ask us about our online giving.
Passing the Peace We will continue to Pass the Peace, but not by shaking hands or hugging. Instead, we will encourage people to use other ways like prayer hands, arms crossed over chest, waving or holy elbow bumping.
Hymnals and Bibles Beginning Sunday March 15, the hymnals and Bibles will be removed from the sanctuary. The covers can transmit germs and are not easily cleaned. All song lyrics are displayed on the monitors and we recommend bringing your personal Bible if you enjoy reading the Bible during church services. Church Bibles are also available upon request, please ask the usher, a lay minister or the pastor. Please keep this Bible until the virus is no longer an issue.
Bulletins We are considering going to single-use bulletins or eliminating them entirely -- as the responsive readings are displayed on the monitors. More to follow soon about this.
In conclusion, know that we are sensitive to the concerns around the Corona Virus and its spreading. We are confident that together we can ensure there is a safe environment for worship, prayer, and community, even in the midst of the threat of this virus. If there is need to make further changes to our church practices, we will communicate this quickly to all.
Thank you for your help, consideration, and flexibility in keeping the church body healthy and well! And, if you have any questions, concerns or recommendations, please feel free to contact me or any Board member. In the meantime, may we hold in prayer God’s beloved here and throughout the world.
