Our response to the coronavirus illness has evolved at Oakdale Church, as the situation has progressed across Maryland, and will no doubt continue to evolve. CoVid19 has now been declared by the World Health Organization a pandemic. I want to let you know we will continue to address this challenge with careful, calm and diligent respect.
First, we are closely following guidance provided by public health agencies to help protect our congregation, visitors and staff. We have increased the cleaning process of doors, handles, kid’s areas, classrooms. Senior Staff has reviewed our Sunday mornings, from offering, communion, baptisms, coffee hour and will be making some changes to reduce the spread of germs and viruses. We have the ability for social distancing with having two locations for worship in the Sanctuary and Brigham Hall. Starting this week all services at 9 and 11 AM will be broadcast online at Oakdale.church. We also encourage you to give online as this protects those who are serving as ushers and offering stewards. We will not pass offering plates from person to person but will have a few stations with baskets for you to drop an offering for the work of the church.
We recognize that we cannot plan for every potential disruption and are monitoring hourly what is occurring here and across the globe. Oakdale Church stresses that people should use common sense and good hygiene practices in dealing with any respiratory condition so to limit its spread and severity.
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home if you are sick.
For more information you can, visit the CDC to receive information on prevention. Montgomery County also has set up a website you can monitor, view here.
I urge you to be in prayer for those who are dealing directly with this outbreak of illness. Pray for those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones, as well as the first responders, nurses, doctors, and caregivers who are on the front line of fighting this disease. Pray also that we as individuals and as a community can live confidently by God’s grace and support, rejecting fear and anxiety, trusting in the best science we can muster as well as the love of God to see us through these days.
This is an evolving situation and we will do our very best to keep you both informed and healthy.
May the Spirit of God rest on you today!
Leslie Myers
Executive Pastor
“ Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” – John 3: 1-2