Whether or not COVID-19 has made its way into our communities, congregations are already beginning to ask, "Should we cancel worship?" But humans need interaction, and gathering together for corporate prayer and praise is an important part of our faith. So what do we do?
I am not one to reinvent the wheel if I don't need to. One of my colleagues, Rev. Miriam Mendez, Executive Minister of ABC New Jersey, wrote an excellent article with suggestions for what congregations can do to minimize risk to congregants, so I'm sharing it with all of you. Yes, it's quite possible that the virus will make its way into a community in such numbers that it becomes prudent to cancel worship. But until then, these practices will most certainly slow its progress down.
Meanwhile, I am praying for all of you as you balance health concerns with community. And if an outbreak in your area does occur, please let me know so we can be in special prayer for you!
In Christ's peace,
Sandy
Rev. Dr. Sandra L. DeMott Hasenauer
Executive Minister
American Baptist Churches of the Rochester/Genesee Region
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