This FAQ is modified from our friends at MCC of Greater St. Louis.

1) When will we be able to gather again for in-person worship? In my March 15th message, I mentioned that I hoped to be back in our building on Palm Sunday. We have been given several dates of when the “stay in place” order will expire. The latest date has been given by President Trump of April 30. We are planning on having our worship online through Sunday, April 26.  If that date is extended, I will share that information via our online worship service.

2) How are we doing financially? The board and staff have been monitoring our finances closely. Since moving to online-only services, our weekly income has dropped over 50%. We want to send a special word of thanks to everyone who has been able to give online or by mailing a check. We are working to ensure that our ministry continues without interruption during this critical time. If you can set up an automatic, recurring gift, it would be a tremendous help. You can do so by clicking here. 

3) Will we have Easter Service? Yes! We are planning to have a LIVE worship service via Zoom teleconferencing on Sunday, April 12 at 11:30 am. Check the newsletter the week of April 6 for the link and instructions and we will post the link on our website. You will have the opportunity to connect with other MCC’ers during this online service.

4) I ordered an Easter Lily. What will happen to it?  The Lily plants will arrive at the church on Thursday, April 9.  You have three options:
a) You can stop by the church on Thursday, April 9 or Friday, April 10 from 4pm – 6:30pm to pick up your plant(s). 
b) You can have your plant(s) delivered to your home and it will be left on your doorstep on Saturday, April 11. We will call before we come so you know to expect the delivery.
c) You can donate the plant(s) to someone else. If you have a name and number, we could deliver it to them or we will select the person who will be the recipient.
Please call or email the church by April 9 to let us know your preference. Plants remaining by Saturday, April 11 will be donated.  

5) What about meetings that were scheduled for the month of April? Most meetings and gatherings will be taking place virtually.  We are in the process of streamlining these online meetings in order to make it simpler for all participants.  Please check the weekly newsletter for the video platform or conference call number used for your meeting. If you have a question or concern about your meeting or how to connect, please contact us at mccdetroit@gmail.com.   

6) Do we know how our congregants are doing? Our Deacons have done a wonderful job reaching out to our active member and friends list by calling, emailing or through Facebook messenger. We are connecting with those who have a need that we can fill. On Easter Sunday, we will be announcing new online events to help keep us connected during this time of social distancing. For example, look for the new “Women’s Night IN” group to begin soon!

7) What can I do to help at this time? First and foremost, continue to pray daily for one another, our church, community, and world. Prayer is a powerful way to share our hope, concern, and care for one another and our world. Second, take advantage of our virtual gatherings! They provide us with the opportunity to connect with one another and receive encouragement during these trying times. Visit our website and Facebook page for information that will help you stay connected on what is happening with MCC Detroit. Third, reach out and connect with one another. We all need to be reminded that we are not alone, and someone cares about us – we ARE our sister’s and our brother’s keeper! Lastly, if you able, please continue to support the church financially, which you can do by mailing your checks or donating online. We can and will get through this together.​

Note: This FAQ is a work in progress, and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available. 

I have compiled information from various email resources I have received to pass on to those who may not be receiving information from an employer or other reliable sources. I hope these links will prove to be helpful as we contend with the challenges of COVID-19.  As in previous emails, please contact us at the church if you have a need that we can fill – mccdetroit@gmail.com - 248-399-7741 – mccdetroit.org.
 
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.  Psalm 33:22 
 
Rev. Roland

​Information on the importance of these measures:

• Watch this informative video from Vox on the importance and effectiveness of social distancing.
• This Washington Post article uses simulations to demonstrate how different degrees of social distancing help reduce the rate of infection and flatten the curve.

Please remember to use these best practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact especially with those who are sick
• When out in public, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

The following resources are available for ongoing updates and critical support during this period:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
• Michigan Department of Public Health: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
• Oakland County Public Health Department (it is more comprehensive than Wayne or Macomb Counties sites): https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx
• Hospitals across the area have set up special hotlines for the coronavirus questions. Details on each are below:
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - 888-535-6136
  • Ascension - 833-978-0649
  • Beaumont Health - 800-592-478
  • Henry Ford Health System - 313-874-7500
• Questions and Answers from the Michigan.gov website about tips for older adults and other preventative measures: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178---,00.html
• Resources for domestic violence victims during quarantine: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/get-updates-information-covid-19/
• Information about unemployment benefits: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98158-522374--,00.html
• The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has a $25 Water Restoration Plan. If you know of anyone who has water service off in their Detroit home, please call 313-386-9727 on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. For more information, visit www.detroitmi.gov/WaterRestart.  
• The Detroit Department of Transportation announced FARES WILL BE FREE for the duration of the Coronavirus outbreak.  For driver health safety, passengers will board and exit through the read doors only.
• Comcast is making internet faster and more accessible to people for the next two months with the "internet essentials" package now free for qualified low-income households; pausing data caps for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge; and no disconnects or Late Fees. Read more here.
• Mental Health Management resources:
  • Advice from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
  • Advice from Anxiety and Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/covid-19-lockdown-guide-how-manage-anxiety-and
  • Things to do during quarantine: https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/what-to-do-philly-coronavirus-indoors-quarantine-fun-activities-online-workout-classes-happy-hour-20200316.html
  • Kid friendly things to do during quarantine: https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/

 
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you will be using your computer more.

1. Never assume all the links in a Google/Yahoo/Bing search are safe.
2. Think before you click anything: Nothing can substitute for simply approaching every link as if it is surely a virus unless you can verify it’s not. Even the blog link I put at the bottom of this email should create an immediate sense of caution. This very email could be an elaborate phishing ruse.
3. Hover over the link to be sure it’s actually going to the intended location.
4. Refuse to open attachments or click links from untrusted sources.
5. Verify attachments and links with an alternative communication form like text or phone.
6. Never transfer any kind of money or gift cards without verifying with the source. Use text, or phone call to verify, but never the email address making the request as it could be compromised.
7. Be extremely cautious when giving any personal or other information requested.
8. Make sure antivirus (AV) is up to date. Check your AV subscriptions to make sure they haven’t expired and renew them if they have.
   
9. If possible, purchase and/or designate a machine as a “work machine.” This should help reinforce computing habits that otherwise might not be employed on a personal machine.
   
10. Make sure Mac users are leveraging Time Machine for backing up their computers to a local external hard drive.
    
11. If using the public internet, leverage a VPN solution to obscure and secure your online presence. IpVanish is something I use personally for this exact purpose

 
From Aaron Young – IT Specialist – Endsight Technology – Berkeley, CA