Due to the increasing concern regarding the virus that causes COVID-19 (previously known as 2019 novel coronavirus) Marvelous Light takes the position of being not only prayerful, but also proactive in reducing our susceptibilities to the illness while gathering together.
Until further notice, Marvelous Light will practice social distancing, while continuing to have worship.
In consideration of the transmission of the virus, please be mindful of the following practices associated with your attendance of worship services:
- SYMPTOMS – If you are sick with cold symptoms including but not limited to fever and respiratory issues, please live stream services online in lieu of attending services in person.
- PHYSICAL CONTACT – Suspend handshaking, hand-holding, hugging, and kissing in favor of the fist bump and/or elbow bump.
- SEATING – Limit seating to every other seat, to maintain at least 2 feet between individual worshipers.
- COUGHING – Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and then throw those tissues away. At a minimum, cover coughs with the sleeve of the elbow and not the hands.
- HAND WASHING – Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for a minimum 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When using hand sanitizer, allow the solution to air dry in order to benefit most from its usage.
- COMMUNION – We will continue to utilize prepackaged sacraments for our Communion Service during the first Sunday in April. Additionally, everyone will come to the altar, (during offering) to retrieve the packets as opposed to mass distribution.
- SHARED EQUIPMENT – All shared ministry devices (microphones, computer keyboards, cameras, etc.) will be thoroughly wiped down with alcohol wipes before being used by the next individual.
The following are some helpful hints if you think you may be at risk for COVID-19.
- Delta is more contagious than the other virus strains. – One thing that is unique about Delta is how quickly it spreads. By the end of July, Delta was the cause of more than 80% of new U.S. COVID-19 cases, according to CDC estimates.
- Unvaccinated people are at risk. – People who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are most at risk. In the U.S., there is a disproportionate number of unvaccinated people in Southern and Appalachian states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, and West Virginia, where vaccination rates are low. Kids and young people are a concern as well. “A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta.” says Dr. Yildirim. And so far, no vaccine has been approved for children 5 to 12 in the U.S., although the U.S. and a number of other countries have either authorized vaccines for adolescents and young children or are considering them.
- There is still more to learn about Delta. – One important question is whether the Delta strain will make you sicker than the original virus. Early information about the severity of Delta included a study from Scotland that showed the Delta variant was about twice as likely as Alpha to result in hospitalization in unvaccinated individuals…
- Vaccination is the best protection against Delta. –The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from Delta is to get fully vaccinated, the doctors say. At this point, that means if you get a two-dose vaccine like Pfizer or Moderna, for example, you must get both shots and then wait the recommended two-week period for those shots to take full effect. Whether or not you are vaccinated, it’s also important to follow CDC prevention guidelines that are available for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Remain prayerful and confident in the power of our God to protect us in this crisis!
Overseer Chandler