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An Important Letter to the Churches and Pastors Concerning the Upcoming Pandemic Flu
Experts feel an influenza pandemic is likely and we need to prepare ourselves and our congregations. It might be as serious as the 1918 “Spanish flu.” As with any natural or human disaster, our churches and Presbytery will need to respond to our own needs, the needs of our most vulnerable members, and the many needs of those around us. The Health Ministries website of PC(USA) states: “Often, it is what we do not understand that frightens us most. Keeping Presbyterians up-to-date with reliable information and passing along the preparedness recommendations can help keep members from feeling as though they have no control.”
It may be overwhelming at first, but thinking ahead about how we will respond helps prepare for this or any other emergency. Regardless of when the global pandemic comes, as a minimum, we may be able to take better care of those who suffer from the regular flu this winter.
The three most important things that you can do to get ready are:
- Plan how you and your congregation could function in the event of a pandemic.
- Engage the creativity and resourcefulness of your congregation.
- Work with your local health department to learn their plans and procedures. Many people in government and business have already been developing plans, resources, and checklists.
Toolkits can be found at:
As you begin to talk with your session and health leaders in your congregation, consider how your congregation already deals with health issues and unexpected events. The following questions may help to discern what could be done now, before a pandemic begins:
- How will you keep your church office and vital church programs going?
- What do you currently do for any emergency?
- How might you improve things that you will want to keep doing if there is a widespread influenza pandemic? What activities could be set aside?
- What ministries in your community would you strengthen? Do you know who your local resources are and where they are? Identify how you might partner with churches near you and maybe begin to do some activities together for other reasons.
- Do you know who has special needs, such as people serviced by home health agencies?
- How could your congregation help them?
- How could you do funerals and memorial services in a way that limits the spread of the virus?
Even if a pandemic does not come this year, we can help care for those in our congregation who get colds and flu; maybe we can prevent some illness and suffering. Influenza spreads easily from person to person by droplets through coughing and sneezing, as well as by touching. Good hygiene is important always. It is very important to teach our children and model sanitary behavior. When people are sick, they can prevent spread by keeping their distance or staying home. How can they be ministered to? You may not think you are prepared, but you may be able to do more than you think you can, such as hosting flu shot clinics, caring for the sick, identifying those most vulnerable, helping spread accurate information which can avoid public panic, and setting an example. We can change our behaviors now and start taking measures to reduce the impact of a pandemic by:
- Brainstorm alternatives to shaking hands, hugging, or ‘passing of the peace’ that would be acceptable for your congregation.
- Host flu shot clinics for the community around you.
- Disseminate accurate information to your congregation regarding pandemic preparedness. In addition to The Great Influenza by John Barry, there are many books and articles.
Congregations have vast resources, of all types. Most recently, PC(USA)’s work in the Gulf Coast region highlights how we can be present to all people in need. How do we minister to each other in times of crisis? How do we show hospitality? How will our response demonstrate Christ’s saving grace to the world? Most of all, we can be a witness of God’s love and assure people that a pandemic will not last forever.
As a pastor, how will you minister to a congregation seriously impacted by a pandemic? Are your elders and deacons trained to help you, and are they comfortable praying with others? Their emotional support and “just being there” can be of tremendous benefit, and extend your capabilities. In whatever way is right, share these reflections with your session to stimulate discussion. If you have a parish nurse, health ministry, or medical professionals in your congregation, you may want to convene them soon as advisors for what will work best for your congregation. Like Noah, we need to pay attention and be prepared! |
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