Update on Covid 19 and Congregation Activities

Many people are talking about Coronavirus and its potential impact. More and more frequently we are hearing of colleges cancelling spring break trips and going to on-line only classes. Major sporting events are being cancelled, and travel plans are significantly impacted as the virus spreads around the world.
Most healthy adults will not be affected by the virus; those who are will experience typical flu-like symptoms. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are the persons most at risk.
At this point, basic preventative measures remain highly recommended:
1. Wash your hands with soap and hot water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
2. Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes.
3. As difficult as this will be for our congregation, we must refrain from hand shaking.
4. Cover your mouth when sneezing with your arm, not just your hand. If you sneeze on your hand, immediately wash your hands.
5. If you are sick, stay at home.
In terms of how all of this impacts our congregation, we want to proceed with caution and common sense. Based on information currently available, our congregation is making the following changes:
1. As stated above, if you are sick, please stay at home. We will begin broadcasting our worship services on the church Facebook page this Sunday. The bulletins are available on the church website (https://www.oakgrovecob.org/bulletins/). If you do elect to stay home for any reason (an abundance of caution or for any kind of illness), please let us know.
2. If you are absent from church, prayer concerns can be emailed to Pastor Tim (pastortim@oakgrovecob.org) or shared through a friend. Tithes can be brought by the church during the week, mailed, or given through the Tithely app on our website (https://www.oakgrovecob.org/giving/) or your smartphone.
3. After church fellowship is cancelled until further notice. Persons are certainly free to visit after the worship service, but no food or drink will be provided.
4. Please be cautious when visiting members of the church. It is likely that hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities will institute their own rules about visiting. In the meantime, let’s all make a few extra phone calls to family and friends this week, or send cards, etc. If you become aware of needs in the congregation, please let Pastor Tim, Pastor Carol, or our deacons know.