CORONAVIRUS – What to Know, How to Help

Update for July 15, 2021

Dear Cedarville Church Family,

The Cedarville UMC Reopening Team met via Zoom on July 14th and the following changes to our Covid-19 policies were approved.

·         Fully vaccinated attendees to church events, worship and classes no longer need to wear masks in the church buildings. Singing is approved for all fully vaccinated attendees.

·         Un-vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and immunocompromised are asked to continue to wear masks. Singing is allowed for those wearing masks.

·         Anyone who feels the need to continue to wear masks are also encouraged to do so.

·         Teachers and shepherds for Cedar Kids, Cedar Tweens and Kids Church are asked to continue to wear masks during those activities.

·         At this time, we are not reopening the nursery. (We will provide nursery care as need arises.)

·          Any groups returning to meetings, or Bible studies at the church, or groups who wish to provide meals for an event, must get the Trustees approval prior to returning, if they have not yet done so.

As has been true all along, if you are having flu-like symptoms, please worship with us online rather than coming to in-person worship during the time you are experiencing symptoms. 

 

Cedarville UMC Re-Opening Committee

Update for Monday, May 25, 2020

What is Cedarville UMC doing about Reopening?

It may not seem like anything is going on at Cedarville UMC in regard to reopening but looks can be deceiving! On May 8, 2020 a reopening team consisting of Ad Council and other representatives of the church met on Zoom to discuss our planning for reopening.  Frank Cebular, who is leading this group, had three first meeting objectives. 

They were to:

1. Evaluate current digital worship, meeting, and educational offerings
2. Prepare for a phased-in return for meeting and worshipping together
3. Leverage our digital footprint with our in-person participation to reach as many as we can.

These objectives were meant to make sure we are doing as much as possible as we move from a closed campus and return to an open campus. We will meet the State and CDC requirements while being sensitive to the needs of the church and all its people during the phased-in reopening.

Chris Vogel agreed to pull together representatives of the praise team, the choir, the tech staff and the worship committee to work on objectives 1 and 3. The trustees agreed to look into the building needs for a phased opening, specifically for the following points.

1. Cleaning requirements
2. Personnel Protection Equipment
3. Sanitizing agents
4. Guidelines for building use during the process of reopening and beyond
5. Signage requirements
6. Social distancing guidelines

This will not be a quick process. Because of the vulnerabilities in our congregation, no one solution will meet everyone’s needs. That is why we want to continue to stay connected before, during and after reopening in the digital reality we are currently in, to keep as many of the congregation connected as we can.

Frank Cebular

Update for Saturday, May 23, 2020

Dear Friends, 

Today, I write to share some information regarding where we currently stand regarding in-person worship services and other gatherings at Cedarville UMC. There is a lot of information and conversation “out there” regarding when churches should “reopen.” However, the church has never truly closed. We have continued, online, to worship, to hold Bible studies, to hold educational opportunities – as well as fun activities – for our children and families, youth Sunday school and youth group, mission and outreach to our community. We continue to be “open” in so many ways.

The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, held to three general rules. First among the rules was “Do no harm.” Our Re-opening Planning Team will follow that directive and discern when will be the best time to return to worshipping in person in our building. Until that time, we will continue to hold our Sunday morning worship service online at 10:00am, followed by KidzZoom and a Virtual Social time (bring your own coffee or tea ). The KidzZoom and the Social time will have separate Zoom invitations.

Even once we begin to offer in-person worship, we will stream our live worship. No one will be encouraged to return to in-person worship until they feel ready to do so. Whether returning to worship in-person or continuing to worship with us online, we will continue to be the body of Christ, TOGETHER!!

In light of the governor’s statement of anticipation that all counties in Pennsylvania will move to the Yellow Phase by June 5, the Reopening Planning Team will meet again this coming Wednesday, May 27, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss updates and plans for a phased re-opening. Rest assured that teams of folks are exploring the necessary protocols and structures that must be in place before we start to worship in person.

You will receive information regarding in-person worship when that decision is made, along with the protocols everyone will need to follow.

In the meantime, please join us, and invite your friends and neighbors to join us, online tomorrow and each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for worship!

Blessings, peace, prayers, and love –

Pastor Sherry (see document below)

CEDARVILLE UMC CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE

We take the health of our community very seriously and encourage caution for the wellbeing of everyone across the Cedarville and Pottstown community, particularly the most vulnerable. Our leadership team is monitoring governmental guidance and scientific recommendations, and we will adjustment our plan as conditions warrant.

We recognize that other churches and organizations may reopen sooner than Cedarville, and we are eager to gather together once again. However, we have considered the risks and remain confident in our ability to build Christian community through virtual means until such time as we believe it is safe enough to return to in-person ministry with appropriate safety measures to help prevent the spread of disease in our unique setting. 

PERSONAL MEASURES

The coronavirus spreads mainly by person-to-person contact. The best way to prevent illness is to act prudently and avoid exposure.

  • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer
  • Maintain six-foot social distance
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Wear masks in public
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect touched surfaces
  • Stay home when sick
  • Remember that people without symptoms can spread coronavirus.

 WORSHIP SERVICES

We offer an online-only worship service at 10:00am each Sunday morning (link on the Cedarville website homepage) and will continue in this pattern until further notice. Once we return to in-person worship, our Reopening Planning team, Leadership and Trustees, are preparing to implement best-practice safety measures such as reduced occupancy levels, social distancing, sanitization measures and contact-free greetings to create a welcoming and safe environment for those who feel ready to return to an in-person experience. 

DISCIPLESHIP

Our regular schedule of onsite classes, small groups and gatherings will not be held prior to Chester County moving to the Yellow Phase of the Reopening plan. This includes CedarKidz, Tweenz, KidzWorship (children), Youth Ministry (teenagers) and Adult Discipleship. When we reopen these programs, strict protocols will be followed, including potential reductions in room occupancy levels. 

Exceptions (programs which may operate sooner with customized safety measures): 

  • Support Groups, Recovery Groups 

MISSIONS

Cedarville continues serving others during this time.

  • CedarSowerz are sewing masks for those in our community who have need of them.
  • With the exception of scheduled drop-offs, all incoming donations of clothing and household goods has been temporarily suspended as a preventative measure.
  • Out-of-town, combined Youth/Adult mission trip scheduled for late June has been cancelled. (Local mission is being explored.) 

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Pastors and Congregational Care Teams continue to provide excellent care during this time, with

precautions to protect everyone’s health and prevent the spread of the virus. 

  • Prayer Requests: Submit prayer chain requests or Sunday prayer list requests via traditional means
  • Pastoral Care Emergencies: Call 610-207-2960
  • Appointments: Call 610-326-4173 to schedule a pastoral phone call or virtual visit.
  • Hospital Visits: Visits have been restricted by hospitals. Please contact the church and we will make phone calls and offer support including coordinating contact via hospital chaplains.
  • Care Home visits: Visits have been suspended by care homes. Pastors and volunteers are writing notes and making phone calls to those who are admitted.
  • Funerals and Weddings: Governmental guidelines for gatherings will be followed. Currently weddings and funerals cannot exceed 10 total persons. Please contact the church to discuss options.
  • Support Groups/Recovery Groups may continue, subject to strict protocols.
  • Blood Drive will be permitted with protocols

OFFICES AND BUILDINGS

Cedarville’s offices and buildings are closed to the public and will reopen no sooner than Yellow Phase. Currently, access is limited to staff and volunteers who are performing essential functions and special assignments. During this time, most staff members will continue to be strongly encouraged to work remotely, when possible.

 
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Impact: Cedarville UMC Campus Closed Until Further Notice
 
March 13, 2020
 
Jesus said, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   
 
Last evening, I consulted with some of the leaders and members of this church regarding our response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and a desire to “love one another,” I have decided to follow Governor Wolf’s call to all Pennsylvanians to do our part to help stop the potential transmission of this disease at this critical time. Therefore, I have closed our Cedarville campus until restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted. At that time, we will reassess the situation and make a decision as we move forward.
 
This is not a gesture of panic, but a gesture of caring for one another, and especially the most vulnerable among us. Even those who are younger and/or have no underlying health conditions can contract the virus. And, while you may experience minimal or no symptoms, you could transmit the disease to others.
 
During this time, continue to be the presence of Jesus Christ to one another. Please check on one another through emails and phone calls. Share this message with others whom you know do not receive email or may not have received this message. (It is better for folks to receive the message more than once rather than not at all.) 
 
Also, if you are affiliated with a group that uses our facility, please contact your group to let them know. We will be working to make those contacts, but again, better to receive this message several times than not at all.
 
This is the time to act, again out of an abundance of caution and love for one another. Please check our website for ongoing updates and information.
 
May we each know the peace that passes all understanding, even through days of confusion and uncertainty. While we never know what the future holds, we know and trust the one who holds the future.
 
Blessings to all!
Pastor Sherry

Review these helpful infographics provided by the CDC, NIH and the PA Department of Health.

 

    

With new cases being diagnosed seemingly every hour, the question of “How concerned should I be about Coronavirus?” is being asked by many around the world.

The first cases of Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, were diagnosed in China in December 2019. Since then, the illness with pneumonia-type symptoms, has spread to numerous nations, including the USA, and many other countries where United Methodists reside and attend church.

Visit the United Methodist Church website for more information about the Church’s recommendations to stay healthy.

Visit the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the UMC website to read the article reprinted below and stay current with happenings in the Conference.

The Ten Commandments for Coronavirus Prevention
in Faith Communities

By: The Rev. Kevin Murriel
 
Several weeks ago, my wife and I were watching the news and witnessed the global panic of COVID-19, better known as Coronavirus. At the time, no known cases had been discovered in the United States. Coronavirus is now reportedly in 85 countries and 17 states in the U.S.
 
With the rapid spread of COVID-19, many religious leaders and people of faith are questioning how this will directly affect their worship and service in the world. I serve as the senior pastor of one of the largest churches in the Southeast and we, at our core, are a loving congregation. Members and guests come from miles around to feel the “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” of Cascade United Methodist Church. At least 2,000 people visit our church throughout the week and personal contact is inevitable.
 
After receiving texts and emails from pastor friends and congregants, the concern is the same: how do we keep the fellowship within our congregations vibrant, while remaining safe, as we deal with coronavirus at least for the foreseeable future?
 
To help me address this concern, I convened a meeting with several top health professionals including my friend and Leadership Atlanta classmate, Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford who currently serves as Director of the DeKalb County Board of Health and Interim Director of the Fulton County Board of Health. During this meeting, we discussed best practices for faith communities to implement to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to calm any fear or anxiety regarding the virus.
 
Here are the Ten Commandments for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention in Faith Communities:
 
1. THOU SHALL NOT PANIC– It’s important that we educate our congregants using facts not myths. Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and an infectious diseases professor says, “the one thing we really don’t need is mass hysteria.” “Coronavirus” has been around for years. In humans, coronaviruses infect cells of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract and are responsible for about one third of all common colds. The current strand of coronavirus, COVID-19, has people most concerned because it has been linked to a higher rate of mortality. However, the CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 32 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths from the flu. The reality is, we should always be cautious during flu season in particular, but coronavirus should not cause us to panic. Health experts suggest that prevention is the best course of action.
 
2. THOU SHALL CLEAN THY HANDS REGULARLY AND THOROUGHLY–When coronavirus began to spread, I was going through the airport and saw hundreds of people wearing masks. The next day, a major news outlet reported that wearing masks is an ineffective practice for controlling the spread of the coronavirus. The number one recommendation was to wash your hands thoroughly, as often as possible, with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. Before shaking hands or engaging in any human contact, we should make sure our hands are clean. The CDC also recommends refraining from touching your eyes or mouth before you have washed your hands.
 
3. THOU SHALL ENGAGE IN SOCIAL DISTANCING– Faith communities are known for “passing the peace” during worship. This is a designated moment of fellowship which often includes hugging, hand shakes, and even greetings with a kiss. I recommend churches continue to the “pass the peace,” but do it while engaging in social distancing. That is, greet one another by touching elbows, waving, nodding, or some other virtual sign of love while being judicious with human contact. Each person should use their discretion with this practice and should not be offended should someone not want to hug or shake hands as they normally would.
 
4. THOU SHALL MAKE SANITIZER AVAILABLE– If possible, sanitizer should be made available in as many places around the worship facility as possible. Stations should be intentionally positioned at entrances and exits as well as strategically within the worship space. If you have your own sanitizer, use it as often as you need to during worship. Also, you may want to be a good neighbor and offer sanitizer to others as they have need. Ushers, greeters, etc. should wash their hands thoroughly and also have sanitizer and tissue available for worshippers.
 
5. THOU SHALL LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AND CARE FOR THYSELF– In Matthew 22:39, Jesus says the second greatest commandment is to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” If you are sick or experiencing cold-like symptoms, please love your neighbor enough to stay home from worship and other activities, and love yourself enough to get well and visit a healthcare professional. This is also important for children and youth.
 
6. THOU SHALL PUT SIGNS IN RESTROOMS– Placing signs in restrooms reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly, and providing instructions for proper hand-washing can be very effective in coronavirus prevention.
 
7. THOU SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE– The new strand of coronavirus (COVID-19) originated in China. Since then, there have been numerous incidents of discrimination towards the Asian community. As people of faith, we should affirm all of God’s people as sacred worth and should denounce this type of evil.
 
8. THOU SHALL BE CONSIDERATE OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS– Like any health crisis, there are certain populations more at risk that need our attention and care. Our senior citizens, as well as individuals with co-morbid conditions in our congregations should be considered high on our priority list for care. Make regular wellness calls and visits to seniors within your worship community to ensure they have everything they need. We should be doing this regularly anyway, however, it should especially be done until coronavirus is eradicated.
 
9. THOU SHALL BE WISE WITH TRANSPORTATION– Faith communities with transportation ministries should take precautionary measures to ensure vehicles are thoroughly cleaned inside and that sanitizer is offered in transit. Faith communities doing outreach should ensure all volunteers sign waivers of liability, and should food be distributed, precautions should be taken to protect those being served. For such precautions, refer to commandment #2.
 
10. THOU SHALL PRAY– After following every commandment and being as cautious as possible, at our core, we are people who believe in the power of prayer. We should pray for God to heal our land. We should pray for the families already affected by COVID-19. We should pray for faith to continue worshipping and serving. We should pray for our leaders and health professionals working diligently to contain and respond to this virus. We should pray and care for each other.
 
Remember, it’s about prevention, so don’t panic. This, too, shall pass.
 
About the writer: The Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel leads over 7,000 members as the senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He has given us permission to republish this article. 
Cedarville United Methodist Church