COVID-19 Response
Hello Friends,
As you likely have learned, a new and very infectious Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) is spreading in many countries around the world and causing a disease that mostly affects breathing (COVID-19). As at this morning SARS-COV-2 has infected over 130,000 people around the world-including at least 13 in Montgomery county and 2 in Lower Gwynedd. Thankfully, many infected people have recovered, yet thousands of people have also died-especially elderly people. Gathering of many people in closed spaces leads to unusually high infection rate if an infected person is present. This has been noted in nursing homes, cruise ships, marketplaces, and places of worship. Very high infection rates will mean that overwhelming the health system may lead to bad outcomes for sick people. It is critical that everyone, infected and uninfected, take actions to reduce infection rates in our communities and improve outcomes for our sick neighbors. Hand-washing and social distancing are two things that individuals can do. People who have fevers or symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath should stay home and away from vulnerable family members (people over 60 or with vulnerable immune system).
Our Montgomery country now has the highest number of infected people in the state of Pennsylvania and Governor Wolf has announced measures to help reduce infection rate in our county and protect our vulnerable and sick neighbors. The announced measures include closures of schools, day cares, reduction of large gatherings, non-essential retail services, and the decrease of non-essential travel. Individuals and businesses within our community are already responding positively to these restrictions.
Worship and fellowship are vital aspects of our (spiritual) health and help us get through challenging times. Religious leaders in Pennsylvania have been encouraged to use discretion in protecting all of us and our neighbors. Liberti Montco leaders have thoughtfully considered our responsibility to God, neighbours, leaders, and other members of our community in times like this. We have decided to extend God’s love to our neighbors-especially the most vulnerable and support our secular leaders by placing a few restrictions on Liberti Montco as follows:
We will suspend face to face indoor meetings for Sunday church services and home groups until further notice. During this period, we will explore a virtual meeting option. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone using the following link to join Sunday service at 10:00 am EST:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK-OvHstXvHWhy3pBqsPHig
In addition, we recognize that this situation will affect most of us economically and might lead to hardship for some. We are considering ways of supporting people through financial hardship in this time. If COVID-19 has led to financial hardship for you, please contact Michael Hawkins at 215-688-2619 and he will work with the leadership to find how we can help.
Dozie, Jason, Lisa, and Inki
On behalf of Liberti Montco Leadership