WEPC CM Statement on Influenzaposted: 2009-09-23
While the Bible teaches that we should not live in fear, we can certainly take precautions as individuals and as a church family to minimize the risk of flu outbreak, whether H1N1, Avian or the seasonal flu.
We can all help protect ourselves, our children and each other by washing our hands frequently, regularly using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth with your sleeve when coughing, and staying home when you are sick.
Here are some steps that the leadership of WEPC Children’s Ministries (nurseries, sunday schools, children’s worship, kids club, etc) are taking:
- We will maintain hand sanitizers in every bathroom and in every classroom.
- We will encourage frequent hand washing and sanitizing within all nurseries and classrooms.
- We will perform regular, thorough scrubs of every children’s classroom.
- In the event that children or volunteer workers are exposed to influenza or another serious infectious illness, we will attempt to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) of each child involved, as well as other volunteer workers.
- We will stay in close contact with health workers and agencies, following public safety guidelines.
- We will make any additional changes to our gatherings at such time as we are convinced through prayer and counsel that changes are needed to protect you and your family.
We urge you to please stay home if you suspect you may have a contagious illness for the course of the illness and at least 24 hours after all symptoms have resolved. Also, we encourage you to contact your medical provider for advice if you suspect you have the flu. If you have been diagnosed with H1N1, it is recommended that you stay home for 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
While we don’t want to downplay the very real effects of the flu and the continuing spread across the United States of H1N1, let’s not panic or buy into any hysteria. We live in a fallen world with many dangers, but we serve a God who is never surprised or helpless in the face of any situation. May His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, and may we remember that our great God is working all things for the good of those who love Him.
Visit www.cdc.gov/H1N1 for more information on how to protect your family, and what to do in case of infection.
[modified from Jared Kennedy’s posting on the Soujourn Kids website.]