Dear Members and Friends of First Community,
As news and information of the Coronavirus continues, I am writing to let you know what we are doing at First Community to protect you.
- We prayed this week in our all-staff worship service over many prayer requests, including the health of our world. In our prayers, we reminded ourselves of how close we are with our global family.
- Because the risk of contracting the disease remains very low, we will continue to hold all events, classes, worship services, trips, or other activities.
- We normally serve communion at the 10 am service; however, this Sunday, we will offer a Healing Ceremony instead of communion. All will be invited to come forward and receive a verbal blessing from one of the deacons or pastors, “The deep peace of Christ be with you.” Following the blessing, you may return to your seat. Next week we will carefully review best hygienic practices for the service of communion and keep all informed.
- We will do all we can to provide a clean and safe environment at both locations. Sanitizer will be available throughout the buildings, public and private areas will be carefully cleaned, and our staff and volunteers will be asked to wash and/or sanitize their hands regularly.
- My friend and colleague, Russ Peterman, Sr. Pastor of University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, offers this helpful advice:
- Wash your hands frequently—with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds.
- Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow or a tissue, not your hand. Wash immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Feel free to “bump elbows” or bow to fellow congregants during passing of the peace instead of hugging or shaking hands.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes, with unwashed hands.
- Regularly disinfect surfaces frequently touched including keyboards, desktops, elevator buttons and door knobs.
- Use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, and join worship online at FCchurch.com, FCchurch.tv, or the First Community Facebook page.
We will continue to monitor local school closings and listen carefully to the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC for further information.
As we continue on our Lenten journey from the wilderness to the way, let us join hearts and minds in prayer for our faith community, our country, and our global neighbors.
With love for you,
~Glen
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