An important health update from our pastor:
At Emmaus Abbey, we want to care for our congregation in all respects, including the physical well-being of our community. Like you, I’ve been following this evolving story on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). I want to keep you informed via official sources and update you on what’s happening at our church and counseling center. Please understand that I have stopped listening to our government’s confusing information, news & social media, what the next-door neighbor is saying, conspiracy theorists, fundamentalists preachers, and the like. First, please be mindful of the guidance from the Knoxville County Health Department and the CDC specifically:
Stay home when you are sick and especially if you currently have a fever or have had a fever or symptoms of any illness in the last 24 hours.
Wash your hands often with dial soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
For those who are considered at-risk populations, we understand the need to avoid large gatherings like church services and have some options for you to still take part in worship:
To attend the service via a live stream, tune in on Facebook on Sundays at 10:30 AM and on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.
Facebook Live. You can visit our Facebook page on Sunday morning and follow along with our Worship Service via Facebook Live.
You should receive a notification that we “are going LIVE”.
YouTube Live via our YouTube Channel. You can access our YouTube Channel via this link. EMMAUS ABBEY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
You can access sermons at: emmausabbeychurch.org/media/sermons
You can access the sermon archive for even more content at home.
During this time, here’s how we are committed to keeping our campus clean:
Our internal cleaning procedures in the building are being increased. We will sanitize highly touched areas more frequently, such as doors, handles, elevators, tables, water fountains, check-in stations, and sinks.
If possible, we will provide additional hand sanitizer stations around campus for everyone to use. At the moment these are difficult to come by so we also recommend that you bring hand sanitizer for personal use if you are able to do so.
Our staff and volunteer teams will wash their hands frequently and stay home if they are sick.
Helpers will be at the children’s check-in monitors to input information for parents, limiting the number of people touching the same screen.
Instead of shaking hands at church opt for a wave, elbow bump or a friendly smile.
So that we limit the spread of germs, our pastors will use great discretion and abide by hospital restrictions when considering hospital or nursing home visits.
I have spoken with a representative of the CDC as well as with a representative of the Gwinnett County Health Department. I was told by both that the cancellation of public events, large gatherings, or Sunday services at churches is not recommended at this time since the virus is not currently spreading in our community. This situation is very fluid and could change rapidly and if it does we will adjust our guidance accordingly in consultation with health officials.
In the meantime, we will remain open and will continue to have services on Sundays and throughout the week. I am staying in contact with the CDC of Atlanta and the Gwinnett County Health Department. The Director of Communications for the Gwinnett County Health Department, Chad Wadsin, will contact me personally with any additional information if it changes. We will do our best to inform everyone through our online methods, including our website, our Facebook, Instagram accounts, and email.
While none of this is about panic, we still believe it is wise to be preventative. We’re doing everything we can to keep this campus as safe and clean as possible. Above all of this, we trust in a powerful God who has not given us a spirit of fear! Stay smart, stay healthy, and stay close to God through whatever life brings you.
COVID 19 Safety Actions
Your health and safety are our top priority, and as we host in-person services, children’s ministry, and special events, we will continue working to create a safe environment for everyone who comes. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Continue to take these steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:
Get vaccinated when the vaccine is available to you
Correctly and consistently wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth
Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
Avoid crowds
Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
Stay home when you are sick
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol)
Get tested if you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or if you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
Even if you and others (including children) do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms, you can still spread COVID-19 to family, friends, and the community.
Do NOT be around others if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, if you are sick, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
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