Chance (12 Apr 2020)
"Social Distancing And Crossing Lines"


 
Hello John and Doves,

We've gone from top health officials saying 'don't wear masks because masks don't work' to the CDC last week telling us that they recommend that all people wear face masks when going in public.  What??  We've gone from Dr. Fauci telling us that this coronavirus is of very very low concern to the American public to 100,000 to 240,000 Americans are going to die this year from the coronavirus.  What??  The public is loosing confidence in THEM and their models and their 'rules'.

Why does the U.S. public reaction to this coronavirus pandemic seem like no one has a clue what to do or what to tell us?  Surely, they aren't this incompetent or stupid.  Many people believe that there is a whole lot THEY know that they aren't telling us.  THEY have made it very difficult to understand what we are up against, what needs to be done, how to do it, what we need to do to keep ourselves and our families safe.  'Social distancing' is a good idea...but it should have started with being required to wear a mask in public places.  CDC really dropped the ball on this one.  Lots of balls have been dropped for years letting China take over drug manufacture, cell phones, chips, auto parts, PPE....

And state governors are now stepping in to add their personal rules to 'social distancing'.....closing businesses not closed in other states - taking them off of the 'essential business' list and closing them down, restricting the number of people in stores, closing state parks, etc.

Some 'coronavirus social distancing rules' are just common sense.  Others...not so much.  Some state governors are going to the extremes, and in some cases, the new rules seem abusive.  There is a fine line they must walk...and it looks like some are crossing that line.  We fear loosing various rights and never getting them back.

These rules affect Churches and Church Services.  Also, the taking of Communion.  And with Passover Week, Holy Week, and Easter...these 'social distancing' rules really hit home with the Christian and Jewish communities.

Here is an article on "How Churches Can Practice Social Distancing Without Cancelling Services."  https://thefederalist.com/2020/03/19/how-churches-can-practice-social-distancing-without-cancelling-services/
How Churches Can Practice Social Distancing Without Cancelling Services

Have a safe and blessed Easter/Resurrection Service!

Remember to help those you can and pray for the sick. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Maranatha!

Chance

Here are some examples of governor 'social distancing' rules:

The Governor of Michigan has issued an executive order where "it is still OK to travel north to visit a state park, but not to go to a cottage or home...Violating the order can bring a civil fine of up to $1,000."  https://pjmedia.com/trending/that-woman-governor-has-just-banned-michigan-residents-from-visiting-friends-and-neighbors/
That 'Woman Governor' Just Banned Michigan Residents From Visiting Family and Neighbors | News and Politics

The Governor of Kentucky said that "the state will be recording the license plates of those who show up to any mass gatherings and provide that information to the local health departments, who will in turn order those individuals to be quarantine for 14 days...The health departments will be going to the homes of people who attended services and serving them with a quarantine order....Gov. Beshear boasted that the state is down to just seven churches that are still 'thinking about' having Easter services this weekend."https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/kentucky-record-license-plates-churchgoers-easter-weekend-force-self-quarantine-14-days/
Democrat Kentucky Governor Announces Plan to Record License Plates of Easter Church Goers and Force Them to Self-Quarantine for 14 Days

Here's from the Governor of Indiana concerning church services..."His requirements....are discriminatory because they place restrictions on churches that do not apply to other organizations, groups of people and establishments.  The governor is telling Christians how worship must be done and with stricter rules than for all other public gatherings.  In addition to limiting church services to gatherings of 10 or fewer people, his administration made these edicts for the services themselves:
https://thefederalist.com/2020/04/10/indiana-governor-to-churches-worship-as-i-say-or-be-shut-down/
Indiana Governor To Churches: Worship As I Say Or Be Shut Down

To continue safely serving their communities, faith institutions are directed as follows:
  • Church buildings and other physical locations for worship should be closed.
  • Livestream or other virtual services are best.
  • The minimum number of necessary personnel should be used at all times for any services.
  • Staff and volunteers who are not speaking should wear masks.
  • Drive-in services may be conducted only under these conditions:
  • Attendees must be inside vehicles at all times.
  • Attendees should not interact physically with clergy, staff or participants in other vehicles.
  • Vehicles should contain only members of a single household. Do not bring your neighbors or others outside of your household.
  • Cars must be spaced the equivalent of every other parking spot or approximately 9 feet apart.
  • No one may exit a vehicle at any time.
  • Portable bathrooms are not allowed on the premises and no church facilities may be used by attendees.
  • It is preferred that no communion be distributed.
  • In instances when communion is distributed, only prepackaged communion may be used and must be prepared and distributed in a manner that meets food safety standards.
The following individuals who are vulnerable and at higher risk for illness should not attend:
  • Persons who are 65 years and older.
  • Those who have severe underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes.
  • Individuals who are sick.