An important note from the Metropolitan New York Synod:

As we engage in ministry with congregants and the community, it is helpful to remind your congregation and networks that rumor control and regular situational awareness are essential. Please get your information from trusted sources like the New York State Department of Health. It is also important to remind folks that concerns about coronavirus should focus on public health and safety and NOT be used as an excuse for anti-Asian-American racism or xenophobia. We urge you to speak out against this kind of hate.

—

A Message from Pastor Paul regarding Trinity and the Coronavirus

Dear Friends,

In these days when we are experiencing a health crisis like none other in my lifetime it is important to address issues to help you make decisions about your involvement in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ here at Trinity.


Here are important things for you to know:

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST - AND HIS MESSAGE OF LOVE FOR ALL IS NOT CLOSED DOWN! WE ARE SIMPLY LEARNING TO COMMUNICATE IT IN A NEW WAY!

  • Ministry and activities will continue at Trinity in a new way - virtually. We are learning how to use Zoom, the telephone and the internet in newer ways.

  • We have returned to in-person worship at 10:30am on Sundays. We ask that you please wear a mask and follow our safety protocols.

  • Every Sunday we also host a worship via Zoom beginning at 12:15pm for those who are not comfortable, or who cannot participate, with in-person worship. Our “First Day of the Week” email includes the Zoom invite. If you’re interested in participating please email Pastor Paul: PaulBMilholland@gmail.com.

  • Each Tuesday, we have Contemplative Worship @ 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Again, if you want to participate, email Pastor Paul at the address above.

  • Confirmation classes are being conducted by Deacon Rob Sinanan via Zoom.

  • The Prayer/Care Team is active in reaching out to folk, especially those who are homebound and part of the vulnerable population.

  • The Church Council continues to discuss issues and plans for our future together.

Please know that we are all praying for the safety of ALL God's children around the world, and especially for your own safety.  We also lift up ALL the health care professionals who are trying to find solutions to this disease and those who are in "harms way" providing care for those who are ill.


May God be with you all.

Blessings
Pastor Paul


—

A pastoral letter from Synod Bishop Paul Egensteiner:


Dear Friends,
The current threat of the spread of the Coronavirus is one of which we are all keenly aware. We both lend our support and pray for our friends and partners overseas and, now, look to each other in the U.S. for guidance and safe practices. In moments like these I find that it is important to take a moment to evaluate the situation and understand the appropriate level of concern and response.
In a place such as church, where we uphold and thrive on togetherness and caring unions, we must not let the crippling fear that has gained momentum around this illness isolate us from one another. Rather, we would do better to learn from the secretary and Acting Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia (LCM,) The Rev. Thomas Low, and exercise caution and encourage faith together. In the very epicenter of this current crisis, he wisely makes the following invitation to all: “Let us be witnesses of hope, encouragement, generosity, patience and prayer.” Rather than being controlled by fear and allowing alarmist attitudes to dictate our everyday lives, we must be a beacon of hope and thoughtful composure for our siblings and our world. The Rev. Low strongly speaks out against following and spreading unconfirmed and sensational information in his pastoral letter, explaining that this behavior adds to an “atmosphere of fear, tinged with a sense of panic.” I too urge my faithful friends to steer clear of this panicked conduct, for by staying informed, communicating with one another and with the leaders in our Lutheran communities, and exercising reasonable caution if necessary, we will be more discerning and better able to aid both ourselves and those around us.
Does the threat of this virus mean you should stay away from church? I would like to say an unequivocal “No,” but that would not be true or responsible. In fact, if you are sick or are vulnerable due to age (young or old) or existing medical conditions, you should be extra cautious about being around other sick people, whether they have the coronavirus, the flu or other contagious illnesses. As a good overview of appropriate precautions which also serves as guidelines and an antidote to panic, I found this article in the New York Times especially helpful.
Please pay particular attention to these tips as they relate to practices in your congregation, such as sharing the peace and distribution of Holy Communion. Pass the peace and then pass the hand sanitizer. Those distributing should sanitize their hands before doing so. And remember, according to our Lutheran understanding, if you prefer to receive only the bread of Holy Communion, you still receive the full benefit of the sacrament.
We are all stronger and better equipped to face challenges of every degree as a calm, collected, and aware church community. Each of us, along with our holy siblings, can remain safe by acting collectively and responsibly. With the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we may be the shining example of hope and courage.
In Christ,
Bishop Paul Egensteiner
Metropolitan New York Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

—

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 from the CDC:

COVID-19

  • People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Important Ways to Slow the Spread

—

From the New York State Department of Health:

Visit ny.gov/vaccine to get the facts on the COVID-19 Vaccine in New York.

  • The new COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard updates New Yorkers on the distribution of the vaccine including the number of doses received by the state, a breakdown of first or second doses, and the number of persons vaccinated with the first and second doses in each region.

  • Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited capacity, depending on event size and location. Find detailed guidance for graduation events.

  • As of April 10, asymptomatic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York.

  • The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly through insurers.

  • If you have been on quarantine due to contact with someone known to have COVID-19:

    • a negative test does NOT release you from quarantine.

    • It is essential to wait 10 days full days to make sure that no infection appears, even if you have no symptoms, before being released from quarantine.

    • Quarantine should last 10 days from the last exposure to a person with known COVID-19.

    • In addition, you should continue to monitor yourself for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for up to 14 days after that last exposure.

    • If you have any questions about your period of quarantine, please call your Local Health Department.

  • Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

—

If you have COVID19, you should:

Stay home except to get medical care

  • Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

  • Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.

  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

  • Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

—

Separate yourself from other people

As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a mask.

Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.

—

Monitor your symptoms

  • Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or other symptoms.

  • Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

—

When to seek emergency medical attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

  • New confusion

  • Inability to wake or stay awake

  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

—

It is important that we separate facts from fear and guard against stigma.

Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by proactively sharing this message and countering misinformation.  Obtain information about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the NYC Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, you can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying "human rights."

If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173.  NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.

Please check nyc.gov/health/coronavirus for the latest updates.