COVID-19 Page 4

Adventist Review continues its Pivot Points series with an episode titled “Saved and Sound.” Four theologians discuss questions about the relationship of COVID-19 and theology. What does the pandemic tell us about God? Did He bring the COVID-19 pandemic upon the world? Is this pestilence only meant for unbelievers? Do governments have a right to tell local churches not to gather?

Our guests are Rahel Wells, associate professor of Hebrew Bible at Andrews University; Frank Hasel, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute at the world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; and Leal Caesar, associate editor at Adventist Review Ministries. The conversation is facilitated by Gerald Klingbeil, associate editor at Adventist Review Ministries

Once again, we hope that you will find the conversation clear, informative and hopeful and that you will share it with others.

To view Pivot Points video please click here.

“This article was originally published on AdventistReview.org“

Photo by Jon Roberts

Loveland, Colorado … COVID-19, self-quarantine, social-distancing! That’s all we have been hearing lately, not just on the news, but social media, TV, the radio, and basically everywhere. As most people are freaking out about the virus, making sure to be prepared for any situation such as a stay-at-home order, we high school seniors are more devastated than ever. With all the cancellations and closures, the Campion Class of 2020 is struggling.

At first it didn’t seem real, and at times it still doesn’t. With the first email we received, I saw that Music Tour was canceled, and with the emails that kept coming, it kept getting worse. Everything was being canceled, all of my “lasts” you could say, including our senior class trip.

It came expectedly, but it was still devastating to receive the email. It felt like the world around me was crumbling, and although that may sound dramatic: it’s true. For many of us seniors, those final school events have been our world. These last couple of months that were supposed to be spent with our friends, getting together for what may be the last times, is being spent in self-quarantine.

It stinks. There’s no other way to put it. The whole situation is ruining our senior year. Not only has this time been taken away from us, but we’re all worried about graduation being canceled. Finding out that my family who had been planning to fly in from the Philippines can no longer come was devastating. But realizing that we may or may not get a graduation is even more crushing. We have dreamed of the day we would wear a cap and gown, getting ready with all our friends to finally walk and receive our diploma, representing all of our hard work. And now that rite of passage may be ripped away from us.

With everything going on, it’s hard to find the good and to be positive-minded. One day as I was scrolling through Instagram for what seemed like the hundredth time, I saw something that said, “What if God has given you this time to spend with Him, to strengthen your relationship with Him?”

I believe that we are living in the end times, and it made me think that maybe God wants us to use this time to get ready and to help others be ready too. Even though everyone is going through challenging times, we as seniors should take this time to remember what is important.

As hard as it is, I choose to believe that God has something bigger and better planned. God has a way of surprising us when life doesn’t go the way we planned.

—Bela Cinco, Student Editor; photo from Mountain View Studio, used with permission

Denver, Colorado … “As COVID-19 sends the globe into crisis, it also sends us to our knees.” This sentence jumped at me from a page of an article in Christianity Today. An acknowledgement of our current predicament, it matches a call for all Seventh-day Adventists in Rocky Mountain Conference.

Last week, leaders of RMC called for our members to pause on Sabbath, April 4, to fast and pray, wherever we are. The NewsNuggets shared the call by saying: “[the] RMC team is designating April 4 as a day of fasting and prayer throughout the conference. All members are encouraged to consecrate themselves to pray for our conference, churches and communities. … Church leaders are encouraging all members during this critical time of COVID-19 pandemic to ‘take additional time for Bible study and prayer.’”

Ed Barnett, RMC president, commented, “It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you as we move through this trying time! Please use this time to spend more time in God’s Word”

Today, March 23, the officers of Rocky Mountain Conference issued a letter (read letter here) to all church members, which will be sent by regular mail. Relating to the Day of Fasting and Prayer, the leaders wrote, “If you have any extra time under our unique circumstances, please spend quality time in God’s word. It always gives hope and encouragement. We are having a special Sabbath on April 4. We have set this day aside as a Day of Fasting and Prayer for the Church in the Rocky Mountain Conference. I believe this can be a day to draw closer to Jesus and a day to bring our Conference and each member into prayer.”

Being a people of hope, may we always remember to recognize the presence of our Lord in our lives. As the psalmist wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (NRSV)

—Rajmund Dabrowski

Additional information on COVID – 19 pandemic can be found at the following links:

Adventist Review – https://www.adventistreview.org/covid-19-updates

Mid-America Union – https://outlookmag.org/mid-america-union-offers-encouragement-and-resources-for-covid-19/

Union College – https://ucollege.edu/covid-19

Adventist Risk Management – https://adventistrisk.org/en-us/safety-resources/solutions-newsletter/2020/march/information-regarding-coronavirus-covid19-naden

Advent Health – https://www.adventhealth.com/coronavirus-resource-hub/church-resources

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Colorado Department of Health – https://covid19.colorado.gov/

Wyoming Department of Health – https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/

New Mexico Department of Health – https://cv.nmhealth.org/

Denver Department of Health – https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info.html

Cheyenne Department of Health – https://www.laramiecounty.com/_departments/health/coronavirus_info.aspx

Denver, Colorado … [Updated Monday, April 6, 2020] Churches, schools, and the Rocky Mountain Conference office, will remain closed until April 30. Meeting today, April 6, in a teleconference, the RMC administrators and departmental leaders extended the closure in compliance with government decisions as the country and world are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also recognized that this announcement is for this present time as the dynamics are changing moment by moment.

In a separate action, the RMC team is designating April 4 as a day of fasting and prayer throughout the conference. All members are encouraged to consecrate themselves to pray for our conference, churches and communities.

Commenting on the actions taken today, RMC president Ed Barnett, said that “with the local government shutting down public schools till April 30, we have decided to follow suit with our schools, churches and Conference office. We will continue to give any updates concerning closures as we move forward.”

Church leaders are encouraging all members during this critical time of COVID-19 pandemic, to “take additional time for Bible study and prayer.”

“It is my prayer God will continue to bless you as we move through this trying time! Please use this time to spend more time in God’s Word,” Barnett added.

Commenting on the challenge “to immerse ourselves in God’s Word and prayer now,” Eric Nelson, RMC VP for administration, said that “my wife and I are memorizing Psalm 91, as an affirmation of God’s promise of protective care. We are also increasing our prayer focus at this critical time for our nation and conference.”

“It is so affirming to see neighbors taking care to make sure those in need are provided the essentials that they must have. May we truly be the people of God as ministering agents to those around us who need our help. May we encourage others with the hope that God has given us in His Word,” he added.

As shared with our RMC church last week, the following comment by Eric Nelson continues as valid and important now – “Stay informed by watching news and information, including the local health authority announcements. Use common sense. We all are in this together.”

The closure of churches within RMC did not hinder the conducting of worship services on Sabbath, March 21, though in virtual manner.  Sermons and Sabbath School meetings in many locations were conducted via live streaming. Check the updated list on this webpage.

—RMCNews

Denver, Colorado … What a year 2020 has become!   We have all read in the Bible how in the last days there will be famines, pestilence, diseases and strife (See: Luke 21:11)   The world is falling apart.   My question is this:   Are you the glue had holds your community together?   As Seventh-day Adventist Christians we believe we are to be “Serving Communities in Christ’s Name.”

How are you going to serve you community during the COVID-10 pandemic disaster?

Right now, our world, nation, state, and community are in the response phase.  Elected officials alongside with the national, state and county emergency managers have a responsibility to keep the citizens safe, secure and alive.   The next phase of a disaster is the recovery phase.   This is when the government at all levels assist the local community in recovery.   Are you ready to serve?  It is during this time that churches need to think about how to help individuals within their community.

1. The Community of the inner circle:  Church family members who are elderly, are caretakers, have health issue such as respiratory system or heart.
2. Phone calls every day or daily to check up on them
3. Can the church purchase food items, etc.?
4. Hospital or nursing care facility visits— are not allowing visitors but you can call them.
5. Prayer
6. The Community of the larger circle:
7. Who within this community are the elderly or shut ins, caretakers, those who have health issues, parents with children home from school, restaurants and other such businesses workers?  The members of the church who have not attended lately.   How can you support these groups?
8. Can church members volunteer to pick up prepaid ordered supplies from stores?
9. Be watchful of all those around you.
10. Prayer
11. The Community of the greater circle: How can you support the community as a whole?
12. Register with 2-1-1 in your community online or call. (Each State has 2-1-1)
13. Register with Spark the Change in Colorado website
14. Organize groups to volunteer:   Call your local food bank/pantry to see what is needed.
15. Prayer

Each State has a Department of Public Health with website and a Facebook page.   Please check these sites for correct current information for your State.

Colorado: Colorado Department of Public Health: https://covid19.colorado.gov/

Hotline:  877-462-29911

Facebook: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

New Mexico:   New Mexico Department of Public Health: https://nmhealth.org/

Hotline:  855-600-3453

Facebook: New Mexico Department of Health

Wyoming:  Wyoming Department of Public Health  https://health.wyo.gov/

Hotline:  888-996-9104

Facebook: Wyoming Department of Health – PHEP

Please, DO NOT VOLUNTEER if you are over 65 years of age or have a health condition that makes you more susceptible to the COVID-19 vises.

One of my favorite songs is by Matthew West is “Do Something.”   Part of the lyrics are:

If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something, yeah
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh, it’s not enough to do nothing
It’s time for us to do something

—Cathy Kissner; photo by iStock Photo

Denver, Colorado … For most of us, this is an entirely new situation. The closest I ever personally experienced was a round of flu that hit Indiana Academy my freshman year, resulting in soup lines in the dormitory to accommodate all those who were down, including myself.

But here I am, apparently healthy, but taking precautions to stay that way. Almost certainly the same ones you are taking, so there really isn’t any point in reciting them. The interruptions are a nuisance, but I am grateful that so far, my family and I are healthy.

The Planned Giving and Trust Services Department is also taking precautions. Until further notice we will not be doing in home visits. If your documents are ready to sign, you will be contacted about how to go forward signing them yourself. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that the place you would normally find a notary will be open, and we are not encouraging anyone to seek out witnesses for their signatures, so in all likelihood most of you will choose to just wait.

We understand that waiting can be a risk. If you have more than minor changes to make, or if you don’t have any plan in place at all, by all means call us. I check my phone messages, as do all of our staff, so we can respond and figure out a plan forward that will suit your needs.

Mostly our department is working remotely, and we are staggering our necessary trips to the office to have as little face to face contact as possible. Thankfully we have technology that allows us to work in this manner, but efficiency is definitely affected. So we want to thank you for your patience.

Every day I get informational emails about the COVID-19 virus from my insurance agent, my bank, my internet provider, my dentist, to list a few. I follow the news closely enough that none of them are going to tell me something I don’t already know about how to protect myself. My response is usually along the lines of, “All I want from you is cell phone service, so stop trying to play my doctor!” But I hope that this information about how we are going to be operating through this outbreak will actually be useful to you in knowing what to expect and how to plan.

We will keep you in our prayers.

—Doug Inglish for The Planned Giving and Trust Services Department Team; photo by Unsplash photo

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting all states in our territory. Therefore, the Mid-America Union Conference, in consultation with the leaders of our six conferences, is recommending immediate steps to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

While the MAUC office in Lincoln, Nebraska, is currently open, we are complying with the CDC guidelines limiting the size of public gatherings to 10 people until March 31. We have implemented a modified work schedule, which may change at any time if new recommendations are issued.

“Despite the uncertainties of this virus, we are greatly comforted when we remember that God is still in charge,” said MAUC president Gary Thurber. “And because He carries us in the palm of His hand we have nothing to fear. ‘I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears’” (Ps. 34:4).

BEING PREPARED

To date, seven states in Mid-America territory have declared a State of Emergency. Since the intensity of the outbreak may differ according to geographic region, response plans for churches, schools and other organizations may need individual adjustments.

Many entities are currently implementing remote operations. Throughout this situation, members are encouraged to continue supporting the ministries of their church by mailing tithes and offerings, or through AdventistGiving online. The Adventist Giving App is safe and simple to use and works well with both Android and Apple platforms, if your church is signed up.

“Mailing tithes and offerings is always appropriate,” said MAUC treasurer Troy Peoples. “If you don’t have a tithe envelope, please be sure to indicate on a separate piece of paper where funds should go.”

MAUC secretary Gil Webb stated that members should stay informed by monitoring information from reliable news sources, including local health authority announcements. “We encourage all to be in prayer for this situation, to use common sense and follow the recommendations of their local health authorities,” he said.

MAKING DECISIONS

Based on the current information, organizations can build criteria for deciding how to move forward:

1. The CDC states that their recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.
   1. Have you reviewed the recommendations of your local city and state health officials? What guidance have they given?
   2. If they give a mandate, you should follow their orders.
2. Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.  When feasible, organizers should modify events to be virtual.

1. 1. Are you able to ascertain the level of concern from your constituents and the level of adherence to meet or not meet physically?
   2. Have you identified your vulnerable populations? Can you make contact with them to advise them not to attend your meeting?
   3. Are you able to arrange your meeting so that hand hygiene and social distancing can be done effectively?
   4. Is this a meeting that can be conducted virtually?
   5. What considerations need to be made for second and third level impacts of your decisions?

3. What virtual options do you have available to conduct operations?

1. 1. Should a policy for working remotely be established?
   2. Do you have the technology in place to conduct essential operations remotely?
   3. How long can/should you sustain remote operations?

ACTIONS OF OTHER CHURCH ENTITIES

Central States Conference

Dakota Conference

Iowa-Missouri Conference

Kansas-Nebraska Conference

Minnesota Conference

Rocky Mountain Conference

North American Division 

NAD administration, in consultation with leaders of the nine unions, has voted that all staff should cease all travels immediately, staff should work remotely, and has canceled or postponed all events and meetings until June 24, including the CALLED Pastors’ Family Convention [rescheduled for June 2022].

General Conference

As of March 15, the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters is asking employees to work remotely until March 30. Although the Pathways to Health event has been cancelled, General Conference session plans are still in place. Check for updates

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

World Health Organization 

CDC checklist for community and faith-based leaders

AdventHealth  

Adventist Risk Management

Example of  comprehensive plan for conferences 

Example of comprehensive plan for churches

—Brenda Dickerson; iStock photo; text reprinted from https://outlookmag.org/mid-america-union-offers-encouragement-and-resources-for-covid-19/

Denver, Colorado … As we go through a period of suspended church services, it is important for us to continue to remember the faithfulness of the Lord by returning our tithes and offerings. God is always faithful to His word and it is through giving that we express our love to Him and continue to move His work forward. Hebrews 10:23 NLT says: “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.”

Since we will not be meeting together as churches for a while, below are instructions as to how we can give electronically.

HOW DOES A CHURCH SIGN UP FOR ADVENTISTGIVING?

• Signing up with AdventistGiving is a fairly simple process.  The attached form just needs to be completed by the church treasurer and the pastor, and then it should be forwarded to [email protected].  She will sign it and forward it to the NAD to complete your registration.

HOW DO I GIVE THROUGH ADVENTISTGIVING?

• Giving through AdventistGiving is also easy.  Many churches have elected to put a link on their websites that will direct people to their AdventistGiving site, but donors can also donate directly through the adventistgiving.org website or through the AdventistGiving app that you can download from the App Store or Google Play.

ADVENTISTGIVING INSTRUCTIONS

• Go to adventistgiving.org and start typing typing the name of the church that you wish to donate to in the center box.
• As you type, a list of churches that match that name will appear.   The (Enrolled)at the end of the name tells you whether that church has signed up for AdventistGiving or not.
• Select the name of the church you wish to donate to.  You will be taken directly to the online Tithe & Offering envelope for that church.
• After filling out the envelope, hit continue.  You will then be asked to choose whether you wish to log in, register for an account, or continue as a guest.  If you choose “Guest”, you do have the option of giving anonymously, if you do not wish to receive a tax receipt.
• You may then pay with a credit or debit card, or with an electronic check.  We do want to mention that the fees are significantly lower for the conference with electronic checks as opposed to credit or debit cards.

—RMC Treasury